Remembering some great names
Albion had the usual good backing at St Mary’s as 2,335 of their fans filled a corner section. A report about Jan Paul van Hecke might have caused a degree of concern for some last week and the travelling fans belted out his song on three occasions. At one stage in the first half, they also sang songs of yesteryear in praise of Anthony Knockaert, Dale Stephens, Steve Sidwell, Will Buckley, Shane Duffy and a few others.
Better from Minteh
Yankuba Minteh had a very wasteful afternoon at Southampton last season and it initially felt like we might be in for a repeat. It was still hit and miss but having two chances on his left foot suited him.
Yes, it WAS only a friendly
It felt like this match meant something to both sides - certainly the home side in the later stages. But then, with Albion about to defend a corner having been pegged back to 2-2, they made substitutions and took off three of their back four. That wouldn’t happen in the Prem. It WAS only a friendly after all!
More from the game
Not his best role
Georginio Rutter was pretty quiet compared to previous friendlies as he was again asked to do a job at No.9. It is not his preferred role and he would rather be working with, not instead of, Danny Welbeck. The jury on Albion’s attacking resources has to remain out until we see what the new Greek duo can offer.
Japanese bonus
One Japanese reporter was back on the Albion beat for pre-season after transfer talk around Kaoru Mitoma rather fizzled out (for now - let’s see what happens late in the window) and we had a good catch-up before the game. He had a bit of a bonus in that substitute Yuki Sugawara was one of the Southampton subs who played a big part in changing the course of the contest.