Cheers for Pellegrino and no boos

SOUTHAMPTON warmed up for the new season with a 2-0 win over SEVILLA at St Mary’s.

The victory gave Saints some much-needed confidence as they rebounded from their 4-0 midweek hammering by Augsburg, which finished with new boss Mauricio Pellegrino (below) suffering as his team were booed off.

Jack Stephens’ first-half volley gave Saints the advantage going into the break, before Manolo Gabbiadini sealed success with a cool finish on 82 minutes.

Frank De Boer saw his first game at Selhurst Park end with a 1-1 draw against SCHALKE.

The CRYSTAL PALACE boss saw his side go behind when Pablo Insua netted just before half-time,

But Christian Benteke equalised on the hour with a header to keep the momentum building ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to new boys Huddersfield.

De Boer said: “I was quite pleased with the performance – in the first half we could have done better pressing forward and I think you saw the difference in the second half when we did that, we created a lot more chances.

“We dominated more then and could have won. We know that the physical aspect is very important and the Germans are always very fit – but I think that we looked fitter.”

WATFORD played out a goalless draw with REAL SOCIEDAD at Vicarage Road in a match which celebrated the achievements and life of former Hornets boss Graham Taylor.

Isaac Success had the best est chance for the hosts but blazed over the bar from close range.

Watford boss Marco Silva (right) complained: “We were too slow with the ball in the first half and had a few positional problems.

“We need to build something strong here. Next weekend we need a full stadium against Liverpool.

“I want to build something special between us and our fans.”