Making the Grade: Match Day 3, Southampton vs. Sunderland

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In their first return to St. Mary’s since opening day, Southampton ground out a draw with Sunderland on the back of a game-saving Jay Rodriguez goal.

It was another frustratingly, decidedly average result against a team that fans and oddsmakers alike had tipped the Saints to defeat comfortably. In many regards, the match was a step backward from the spirited performance of last week’s outing at Old Trafford. Despite the scoreline, the side often looked shaky, out of confidence and out-of-sorts in Claude Puel’s 4-4-2 diamond.

With Match Day 3 in the books, and the first international break coming up, Puel’s squad will have much to ponder in the weeks ahead. Without further ado, let’s break it down: good, bad and just plain forgettable.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Jermain Defoe of Sunderland scores his sides first goal past Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Mary’s Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Keepers

Fraser Forster has conceded four goals in three matches thus far. Of those, half have been penalties. With that sort of record it’s hard to fault the number 1 himself, because penalties are inherently stacked against the keeper.

Overall, Forster’s outing this last Saturday fit into a familiar script: doing well but not having to do much at all. Sunderland’s anaemic attack managed only five shots all game, of which only two were on target. After last week’s workout (12 shots, 5 on target), the man between the sticks probably won’t be complaining.

The next match, an away trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal, will probably put Forster through his paces once again. For now though, he’s as good a keeper as any. Just don’t make him defend penalties.

Grade: 8/10

Next: Doldrums in Defence