SAINTS entertained as they beat Cardiff City 5-3 to progress to the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday evening.

An injury-time stunner from James Bree prevented a chaotic game heading to penalties before Cameron Archer ensured victory moments later.

Russell Maritn made 11 changes - leaving every player who started against Nottingham Forest at home - in the Welsh capital.

The performance did show signs of a heavily rotated side - but there was plenty of cause for optimism as the transfer window draws creeps shut.

Here are five key talking points from Southampton's most entertaining victory in some time...

Debuts galore at Cardiff City Stadium

Martin handed three players their competitive Saints debuts from the start at Cardiff - summer arrivals Nathan Wood, Ronnie Edwards and Lesley Ugochukwu. 

An early-round Carabao Cup tie is always going to throw up an opportunity to hand younger players their first team debuts too.

Saints took a youthful squad to Wales with two teenagers in the starting lineup and more under-21s talent on the bench.

Irish duo Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh and Romeo Akachukwu both came on from the bench for their first outings - while Jayden Moore and Jay Robinson travelled.

There were also first senior goals for Mateus Fernandes and Sam Amo-Ameyaw, while Archer rubber-stamped the victory with a brace on his first start.

Bella-Kotchap remains a Saints player but could still leave

German defender Armel Bella-Kotchap was a surprise inclusion on the bench at Cardiff City on Wednesday evening.

He had been close to finalising a deal to join Hoffenheim on a permanent transfer earlier this month before the German side backed out.

Bella-Kotchap, 22, played 30 minutes on his return to the team and impressed but Martin left the exit door open after the game.

The former Germany international is currently the club's sixth-choice centre-back and is a sellable asset as they look to strengthen the squad.

READ MORE: Martin leaves exit door open for Bella-Kotchap despite return to pitch

Saints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap made his return to the pitch at Cardiff CitySaints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap made his return to the pitch at Cardiff City (Image: PA)

Larios makes senior team return

With only seconds left at the Cardiff City Stadium, Juan Larios made his return to Southampton's senior team.

The Spanish left-back had only just gotten into position when the full-time whistle founded - but the emotion could be seen on his face.

He double-fist-pumped the air - a suitable reaction considering his last senior appearance came against Newcastle United back in November 2022. 

Martin revealed his delight at Larios' return having spent time doing individual work with the youngster during his recovery.

Juan Larios returned to senior action at Cardiff City Juan Larios returned to senior action at Cardiff City (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)

Lallana makes long-awaited Saints return

Larios wasn't the only player to make his Saints return - and he hadn't waited the longest either. Adam Lallana wins that competition comfortably.

A decade split Lallana's previous Saints appearance (a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in May 2014) and his second-half substitute cameo at Cardiff.

The 36 year old impressed against a youthful Bluebirds midfield. His booming voice could be heard inside the empty stadium as he demonstrated his leadership.

Lallana did not warm up with the substitutes ahead of kick-off. He only started his preparations at half-time, closer to when he entered the field.

That's something worth bearing in mind for when he makes a Premier League squad in the near future - possibly this weekend at Brentford?

Southampton's Adam Lallana (left) and Cardiff’s Andy Rinomhota battle for the ballSouthampton's Adam Lallana (left) and Cardiff’s Andy Rinomhota battle for the ball (Image: PA)

Manning out of Martin's plans or unlucky not to feature?

Ryan Manning is yet to play a second for Saints this season. Having been left out against Newcastle and Forest, the Irish defender was named on the bench at Cardiff.

However, when the boss looked to change the game, he opted for Bella-Kotchap and Lallana first before turning to Irish youngster Akachukwu.

Manning had been a regular player during pre-season - however, Saints have signed Charlie Taylor this summer, while Brazilian Welington is set to join in January.

Could the door be open for him to make an exit in the final two days of the window? It would not be the biggest surprise of the summer so far.