Ralph Hasenhüttl was pleased with a professional display from his side during their first formal pre-season fixture of the 2021/22 season, having also competed in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Fulham last week.
That tie ended one apiece, while tonight's meeting with Cardiff City yielded a favourable 4-0 scoreline, with Chè Adams (2), Moussa Djenepo and Theo Walcott on the scoresheet.
The manager was particularly complimentary of the flourishing relationship between striker Adams and young forward Nathan Tella, while also commending the work put in by the entire group on the training field over the past few weeks.
"I think it was a serious performance," Hasenhüttl said. "We tried to stay with a clean sheet, this is the goal.
"We gave a few easier chances away and this was not so perfect. But the way we scored in the second half was fantastic, I must say.
"The longer the game goes when you're in the lead, you get more and more space to use. More time to come in behind.
"A few players have shown that they are very far in their performance. This is important.
"I think after the first three weeks, where we have worked very hard, they are going a bit longer now. Some have played 90 minutes tonight and others will get their chance at the weekend. We need to come in the right rhythm.
"We are exactly at the point of pre-season where we want to be, physically and tactically. A few things to do, but we are well prepared for the first game.
"Chè and Nathan are really working good together. It's good when they are showing up.
Explaining the absence of captain James Ward-Prowse and midfielder Stuart Armstrong, he added: "Prowsey has a little problem with the knee. We won't take any risks, give him some time to recover. Stu is the same, he's back tomorrow on the pitch."
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