Southampton were the victors in an eight-goal thriller against Cardiff City on Wednesday night as they ended the evening 5-3 winners.
Russell Martin named a completely different XI than the one that has started Southampton‘s first two games of the Premier League season.
In fact, ten of those 11 players did not even make the trip to Cardiff, with the Carabao Cup second round seen as an opportunity for Martin to run the rule over the rest of his squad.
Southampton’s five goals consisted of a brace from Cameron Archer, as well strikes from Mateus Fernandes, Sam Amo-Ameyaw and James Bree.
Whilst Southampton will be happy to have scored so freely after drawing blanks in their first two games of the season, the three goals conceded is of concern; especially when you consider Cardiff put out a team of youngsters.
However, the Saints are now through to the third round and here are three things you may have missed amidst the chaos of the 5-3 win over Cardiff.
- READ MORE: Southampton player ratings vs Cardiff City, Mateus Fernandes full debut verdict and one 4/10
Juan Larios makes first Southampton appearance in 661 days
Juan Larios last played a competitive game of football for Southampton’s first-team on November 6 2022.
That game was a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United that saw Ralph Hasenhuttl sacked shortly after.
- READ MORE: New Southampton signing admits Ralph Hasenhuttl rejected him in 2020 before returning this summer
With a long-term injury compounded by numerous set-backs, Larios has faced a gruelling journey to returning to fitness.
Still only 20, Larios made his first appearance for Southampton in 661 days as he came off the bench in the 95th-minute for Tyler Dibling against Cardiff.
Martin will know how much this would have meant to the young full-back and, given the Saints scored twice in second-half stoppage time, Larios’ long-awaited return could have slipped under the radar.
Ronnie Edwards showed he can play in midfield in Southampton win over Cardiff City
Southampton’s defenders had a strange night against Cardiff as despite being relatively untroubled for large spells they conceded three goals to a second string Championship side.
Ronnie Edwards was incredibly unfortunate to score an own goal on his competitive debut after signing from Peterborough United in the summer, with Joe Lumley parrying a cross off the 21-year-old into the Saints goal in the second-half.
Edwards started in his usual centre-back role in a back four but stepped into a holding midfield role when Lesley Ugochukwu was substituted.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin outlines his clear Lesley Ugochukwu plan ahead of potential Southampton debut
Signing players that can play a multitude of positions has been a feature of Southampton’s recruitment this summer and this was another sign of that.
Russell Martin handed out five Southampton debuts against Cardiff City
The Southampton bench consisted mainly of academy products, with Alex McCarthy, Ryan Manning and Adam Lallana the only players bringing up the average age.
Southampton fans that travelled to South Wales were given a treat as Lallana made his second debut for the club a decade after leaving for Liverpool.
The 36-year-old did not feature in pre-season due to a muscle problem but looked as calm and silky as ever as he glided around the pitch following his 64th-minute introduction.
Centre-back duo Edwards and Nathan Wood were also making their debuts for the club, but it was the first senior minutes for an exciting young teenage duo that will have Southampton fans excited.
The late introduction of Romeo Akachukwu and Joe O’Brien Whitmarsh was the latest example of the pathway Southampton can provide for talented young players.
Akachukwu, 18, and O’Brien-Whitmarsh, 19, both signed for the St Mary’s club this year, with the Saints beating a number of clubs to secure the futures of the exciting duo from Irish clubs Waterford and Cork City respectively.
Both were rewarded for their hard work in the youth teams with minutes for the senior side which should give them even more motivation to continue with their development this season; something that can only be good for the club.