But they had to add a big resilience and steel late on to secure a 2-2 draw.
This is how we felt they fared in the friendly at St Mary’s.
### Jason Steele 6/10
Has had plenty of minutes in pre-season and started the short passing from the back at times. Did not have a chance on either goal but flapped in slightly panicky style after Charles hit the post.
### Mats Wieffer 7/10
He looks set to start the season in this right-back and midfield type of hybrid. It gives him a great chance to show his passing skills but, while he can get by defensively, he looks out of position at times in that respect.
### Jan Paul van Hecke 7/10
A generally decent game at the back, tested Bazunu with a header and will be delighted to have had the full 90 minutes. His passing was also in evidence at times but as booked for his arguments on the penalty.
### Lewis Dunk 7/10
Went for goal from just inside his own half during a very confident first 70 minutes and was also a decent far-post target at set-pieces. The unfortunate deflection for Saints’ first goal turned it into a less comfortable afternoon.
### Max De Cuyper 7.5/10
He arrived with a reputation for attacking play and that was showcased by his part in the first goal. Early signs are that he can form a potent attacking force with Mitoma.
### Yasin Ayari 7/10
Played a little deeper than is often the case but he still got forward to test Bazunu from 20 yards. He has had a good pre-season and looks a likely starter in the Prem but, ideally, not quite in this role.
### Diego Gomez 6/10
Given valuable midfield time but had quite a quiet game and does not look to be at the front of the queue for a midfield Prem place. Took a painful knock at one point but was able to play on.
### Yankuba Minteh 8/10
The star of the show with two exquisite and very similar finishes but even with him it felt there was room for more. He was unfortunate to see a goal ruled out for an alleged foul and made a real mess of a clear chance when he tried to set up Mitoma. Hurzeler also raised questions about work off the ball but this was still a really excising performance going into his second season.
### Matt O’Riley 7/10
Has made a strong claim to start the season in the No.10 role in which had a six-game run last term and it took a couple of very good blocks to deny him a second-half goal. Looked unlucky to concede the penalty.
### Kaoru Mitoma 6/10
Was not at his best but, even then, he attracts defenders and it looks like he could be used to work room outside him for the rampaging De Cuyper.
### Georginio Rutter 6/10
Can do a job as the main front man and dropped deeper at times in the first half to get on the ball and produce some clever touches. But he was not a big goal threat.
### Substitutes N/A
Harry Howell was first to enter the fray just after the second goal and almost added a third with a chip which, even if it was not the best option, showed his confidence.
He was one of six young players given chances in testing circumstances and there also an outing up front for Abdallah Sima, himself only 24.