Saints Marching
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Southampton 0-0 Stoke City: Player ratings

By Daniel Hargraves

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Joe Allen of Stoke City makes a break during the Premier League match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary's Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Joe Allen of Stoke City makes a break during the Premier League match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary's Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Goalkeeper & Defence

ALEX MCCARTHY. 7. McCarthy wasn’t tested on many occasions but when called upon the goalkeeper delivered. He was decisive, plucking loose balls out of the air following set pieces and deserved what was his fourth clean sheet since earning a place in late December.. Goalkeeper. Southampton

6. Cedric had a mixed game as he found himself in decent positions in attacks but blasted the ball over the crossbar on numerous occasions and the attempts that did go on target were rather tame. However, defending and crossing are his main duties and both he did well, remaining solid at the back and showing pace on the wing. It’s just a shame that no one could get on the end of the Portuguese’s crosses.. Right-back. Southampton. CEDRIC SOARES

Center-back. Southampton. JACK STEPHENS. 7. Stephens, in my opinion, looked the more solid of the two central defenders against Stoke. In all fairness, he didn’t have too much to do but intercepted well and cleared when necessary. What’s also impressive is how composed the 24-year-old looks on the ball when pressure is incoming. Solid all round and deserved the clean sheet.

WESLEY HOEDT. 6. The Dutchman didn’t have his best game in a Saints shirt on Saturday and at times looked a bit shaky. In one second-half incident, he didn’t anticipate a pass and allowed Shaqiri great amounts of space to run into but then, at the same time, recovered magnificently to get the ball away from the Swiss winger. Overall, he did what he needed to do but just didn’t look as sharp as we’ve seen him at times but, like the other defenders, he deserved the clean sheet.. Center-back. Southampton

Bertrand was also decent against Stoke in terms of defence and it was a shame that crosses weren’t met because some of them were right on the money. The left-back linked up well with Redmond on the left hand side but the overlapping runs have now become something we’re used to and aren’t really effective at all. Nonetheless, the full-back looked composed and solid at the back which, at the end of his day, is his main job.. Left-back. Southampton. RYAN BERTRAND. 7