Southampton drew 1-1 against Lazio in their first home match of pre-season with the game sure to be remembered for it’s fiery nature that culminated in red cards for Carlos Alcaraz and Alessio Romagnoli.
Russell Martin saw his Southampton side make a bright start as new signing Ben Brereton Diaz netted just five minutes into his home debut.
Lazio then grew into the game and levelled through an outrageous strike from Valentin Castellanos on 30 minutes left Alex McCarthy no chance in the Saints goal.
Lazio continued to have the better of the chances as the game progressed but Southampton held firm to secure a draw against a strong opponent.
However, the game was an incredibly feisty affair for a pre-season clash and was marred by the sending off of Carlos Alcaraz after the Argentine had put in a really strong performance.
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Russell Martin refuses to criticise Carlos Alcaraz for Lazio red card
With Martin putting out a largely second string XI – with a stronger side expected to face Getafe on Saturday – Alcaraz was one player who really staked his claim to start the season-opener against Newcastle United.
That was until he was sent off on the hour mark as tempers boiled over after an initial foul from Shea Charles saw the Northern Irishman shoved by a Lazio player.
Alcaraz jumped in to back up his team-mate before suddenly a swarm of Lazio players surrounded the young Saint.
Alcaraz and Romagnoli were adjudged by the referee to be the main suspects and both received their marching orders.
Martin will not have been happy to see the friendly intended to prepare his side for the start of the season spoiled by this incident but admitted he was pleased to see Alcaraz ‘look after’ his team-mate.
Martin said after the game: “The game obviously descended into a little bit of carnage and chaos, which isn’t ideal.”
“But it happened and I actually really liked the aggression in the team today on the pitch – not that bit, but I think one of their guys and one of our guys, Charly [Alcaraz], they had an altercation and then their players got involved to protect their mate and our players got involved to protect theirs, so I like the fact they look after each other, but it wasn’t ideal for the game.”
Alcaraz gives Martin Southampton decision to make despite red card
The red card for Alcaraz was a real shame and perhaps highlights the inexperience of the 21-year-old.
However, after spending the second half of last season on loan at Juventus and continued speculation on his future this summer, Alcaraz showed Martin he could be a really useful asset to the Saints this season.
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It was the attacking midfielder who set up Brereton Diaz’ goal having won the ball back on the halfway line before driving forward and sliding a pass wide to the new arrival.
Alcaraz continued to battle well and showed a defensive maturity that has often been his downfall since arriving in England 18 months ago.
With his attacking talents obvious, if Alcaraz can continue to improve his out of possession work then he looks a player Martin should be looking to keep at the club this summer.