Southampton attacker Theo Walcott believes that the final preseason friendly encounter against Spanish La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao will be beneficial to his team in the new season. The Saints went into Bilbao game with a four-match unbeaten run and they were unable to maintain the run at the end of proceedings.
Theo Walcott and Southampton suffered a 3-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao as the Saints were beaten for the first time in five friendly games this summer.
Southampton got their only goal of the game against Bilbao through Theo Walcott who came off the bench at the start of the second half off the assist from TinoLivramento. Young fullback Livramento marked his first game in a Southampton shirt with an assist.
Theo Walcott spoke to the official website of Southampton shortly after the friendly encounter with Bilbao as he touched on the preparation for the new season and the impressive performance of debutant Livramento. According to him, the Saints would benefit from the friendly clash with the team from San Mames when the new Premier League campaign is in full flight.
On Livramento, Walcott praised his impact on the Saints team and that he showed his quality against the Basque club.
Southampton followed up the friendly defeat to Bilbao with thesame result in their Premier League opener at Everton. The Saints were on the end of a 3-1 loss at the hands of the Toffees despite taking the lead. Adam Armstrong gave Southampton a first half lead on his competitive debut for the club before three second half goals from the hosts condemned the Saints to a defeat. Richarlison, AbdoulayeDoucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin with the goals for the Toffees.
Petite England striker Armstrong signed for Southampton from Blackburn Rovers in a £15m deal this summer and he marked in style with the first goal of the new Premier League campaign for his new team.
