Monday Briefing: September 3rd

Saints bag first Premier League win

Southampton got their Premier League season well and truly up-and-running on Saturday, with a fine performance in a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Danny Ings and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, with his first strike in the top-flight, got the goals at Selhurst Park.

Manager Mark Hughes said: “It's really pleasing, the level of control we had. I thought we were excellent, I thought we were quicker, sharper and more dynamic in everything that we did in comparison to Palace.”

Højbjerg bounces back

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was a happy man after netting in added time at Selhurst Park, a week after being sent off against Leicester City.

“There are two feelings in the dressing room and they are that we are very happy and relieved because we’ve been working for a result like this for a time now,” he said.

“I think everyone in and around the club will share that feeling too. Winning is like medicine, it saves your life.”

Under-23s remain unbeaten

Radhi Jaïdi’s team continued their excellent start to the season on Saturday, as they claimed another point in Premier League 2.

The Under-23s visited Fulham, at Craven Cottage, and took the lead shortly after half-time through Michael Obafemi.

A 70th-minute header from Aron Davies meant they didn’t get the full complement of points, but the excellent run continues.

A tough day for the Under-18s

The Saints youngsters were also in action on a busy Sunday, although it was not one to remember for them, as they suffered a 5-2 defeat to Tottenham, at Staplewood Campus.

The Under-18s trailed 2-1 after an entertaining first half, in which Enzo Robise scored from the penalty spot.

However, the visitors pulled away in the second half, before Rio Glean netted a late consolation.

Next up is a trip to Arsenal, for another Under-18 Premier League clash, on Saturday 15th September.

Checkatrade Trophy action begins

Southampton’s Under-23s face a big night on Tuesday (7.45pm BST), as they travel to Colchester for the first of their Checkatrade Trophy group matches.

Saints’ League Two opponents have started strongly, currently sitting fourth in the league, and will pose a big test at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

As mentioned above, though, Radhi Jaïdi’s team, who also face Cambridge United and Southend in their group, are yet to lose this term and will travel to Essex with confidence.

International week begins

The Premier League is taking its first pause of the season, as the national teams take centre stage.

Saints have plenty of representation over the coming days, ranging from interest in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to the UEFA Nations League, Under-21 European Championship qualifiers and other friendlies.

For the full rundown of who has been called up, click here.

Away kit on sale later this week

Southampton’s new Under Armour yellow-and-blue away shirt made its Premier League debut in Saturday’s win at Crystal Palace.

Supporters can get their hands on the kit from 8am BST this Friday, when it goes on sale in the club’s Stadium and Westquay Stores, as well as online.

Ticket updates

Eligible Official Members can purchase a seat for the home Premier League game with Chelsea from today. Click here for details.

Elsewhere, the visit to newly-promoted Wolves later this month goes on general sale this morning.