Following his summer arrival from Celtic, Stuart Armstrong got his second appearance under his belt in a Saints shirt as we faced Jiangsu Suning out in China on Wednesday and the performance he put in before being substituted in the 63rd minute certainly had fans talking following the game.
Prior to being replaced by Sam Gallagher who went on to add our third on the day, Armstrong put in a solid and impressive performance in the middle of the park and more than justified some of the words we heard from Celtic fans when the deal seeing him move to us was confirmed.
GOAL: Jiangsu Suning 0-1 #SaintsFC (@Mgabbia23 26)
Armstrong's left-footed cross is headed in by Gabbiadini at the far post! pic.twitter.com/X7yrSFoITV
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 11, 2018
To begin with, the most telling was he provided the assist for Manolo Gabbiadini as he opened the scoring in the 26th minute of the game, and with Gabbiadini struggling for goals last year that certainly ticks the creativity box we wanted and both players could strike up a good relationship.
His overall play also drew comments. Suffice to say, we could have another gem from the club on our books.
Big up Stuart Armstrong for that delivery to Gabbiadini for the finish.
Lovely stuff.— JDeleay (@JDeleay) July 11, 2018
Loving Stuart Armstrong's deliveries and passing. Looks quality. Great run and finish by gabbi too
— Jamie (@jamie17saints) July 11, 2018
Stuart Armstrong is our best player already. Sound. #saintsfc
— Connor ➹ (@PickyConnor) July 11, 2018
Armstrong Showing already what a good player he is shame most english fans say it's tinpot players
— ???????? DannyBhoy67 ???????? (@DannyBhoy_1967) July 11, 2018
What is this? A #saintsfc headed goal from a cross?! Preposterous!
— Paul (@Leesy_180) July 11, 2018
What a ball from that sexy blonde
— Derek Martin (@Dm11111111) July 11, 2018
Lovely assist that from Armstrong???????? loving him in the advanced role.. #saintsfc
— Nathan Thomas (@Nathanthomasj) July 11, 2018
I'm liking Armstrong very much indeed so far
— Nige (@Baldsaint) July 11, 2018
On a more positive note, Armstrong is having a good start to life as a Saint. Assisted the goal on his 'weak' foot with a delicate cross for Gabbiadini and just had a good shot saved. And Redmond has found his shooting boots after some wild earlier efforts. 2-2 HT.
— Lucy Highnett (@lucyhighnett) July 11, 2018
