Southampton 1-1 Espanyol:

Jay Rodriguez scores late equaliser as he continues to impress during his comeback from injury

• Southampton drew their final pre-season game at home to Espanyol 

• Salva Sevilla smashed the away side into the lead after 11 minutes   

• Jay Rodriguez scored a brilliant equaliser late on for the Saints

Jay Rodriguez continued his good form during pre-season as he netted a stunning late equaliser to save Southampton from a disappointing defeat at home to Espanyol.  

Salva Sevilla gave the away side the lead early on with a powerful finish and looked liked he'd condemned Ronald Koeman's side to a narrow loss.

But Jay Rodriguez had the last laugh as he smashed home the leveller from 25 yards to show his boss that he's ready for the start of the Premier League.

 Jay Rodriguez (left) scored a stunning equaliser for Southampton with just minutes remaining

 Graziano Pelle holds off an Espanyol defender during the first half of the pre-season clash at St Mary's

Steven Caulker made his debut at the heart of the defence following his loan move from Queens Park Rangers.

Shane Long had the first real chance for Saints but his effort was tame after being put through by Graziano Pelle on six minutes.

Not long after, Juanmi and the Italian striker combined well to create an opening but Espanyol defenders managed to block Pelle's shot.

The Spanish side then took the lead against the run of play, when Salva Sevilla found some space inside the box and lashed it past Kelvin Davis.

It was Espanyol's first real foray into Southampton's half but they showed the danger they posed on the counter.

 Long and Pelle then combined once more later in the half but the Ireland international couldn't beat Pau Lopez.

 Rodriguez was causing problems on the wing, as he continues his comeback from a serious knee injury, which forced him to miss all of last season.  

Debutant Caulker should have equalised for Saints but his free header was straight at the Espanyol keeper.

MATCH FACTS 

• Southampton XI: Davis (Gazzaniga - 46), Martina, Fonte (Yoshida - 46), Caulker (McCarthy - 80), Targett (Debayo - 46), Wanyama (Reed - 46), Ward-Prowse, Long (Mane - 46), Juanmi (McQueen - 80), Rodriguez, Pelle (Tadic - 46)  
• Subs not used: Cedric, S.Davis  
• Goals: Rodriguez 85  
• Espanyol XI: Pau, Arbilla (Jordan - 75), Duarte, Raillo (H. Moreno - 65), Alvaro, Javi Lopez (Hernan Perez - 65), Montanes (Abraham - 65), V. Alvarez, Caicedo (Burgui - 75), Salva Sevilla (Canas - 65), V. Sanchez  
• Subs not used: Bardi, German, Caballe, Lluis Lopez, Alex  
• Goals: Sevilla 11

 Ronald Koeman will be disappointed with the result but must be pleased with Rodriguez's contribution

Summer signing Juanmi (right) looked bright and had a couple of decent chances  

Rodriguez then nearly headed home a Matty Targett cross but it dropped just wide, as Koeman's men continued to dominate proceedings.  

Ten minutes into the second half, James Ward-Prowse found Juanmi with a short corner but he dragged his effort wide of the Espanyol goal.

Sadio Mane then came close to levelling the scores but his flicked effort was just off target.  

Juanmi had another opportunity when he combined with Ward-Prowse again but the Spanish side managed to close him down before he could get a shot away.  

But it was England international Rodriguez who had the much-needed quality, when he picked up the ball 25 yards out and smashed home a brilliant goal.