Southampton 2-1 Bournemouth: Player Ratings
By Marc Walker
Midfielders
A commanding display from Tadic who stole the show and grabbed three potentially season defining points for his side. His first important involvement in the game came when he put Saints in front. He joined Mario Lemina in a quick counter attack, received a pass from his teammate and produced a great clam finish. More was yet to come though with his brilliantly taken second strike. He stole the ball from Bournemouth on the halfway line, drove towards goal with purpose and fired into the corner of the net. Saints fans have been longing for someone to stamp their authority on games for the past two seasons, and the Serbian has certainly done that at a vital time.. Right-Midfield. Southampton. DUSAN TADIC. 9
The anchor in midfield that allowed Lemina to roam forwards and relieve pressure. Fairly quiet overall but his presence cannot be underestimated when Saints play well. His awareness of where to be when the opposition attacks is likely to give him a starting role in the final games of the season.. Central-Midfield. Southampton. ORIOL ROMEU. 6
A powerful presence and back to his early season form at St Mary’s. After a poor display at Wembley, the Gabon international didn’t stop running all afternoon and worked well with Oriol Romeu to stamp authority in midfield. He could have claimed a goal too after showing brilliant technique with a fizzing volley in the first-half, but Begovic tipped wide well. The competition in midfield can only help Saints in the final games and its good to see them all in good form again.. Central-Midfield. Southampton. MARIO LEMINA. 8
6. Looked eager to impress in such an important game but struggled largely. Seemed affected by the reaction from sections of the crowd and rushed his play when he didn’t need to. One moment of quality that set the attack away for the first goal, when he flicked the ball over a Bournemouth challenge before setting Lemina away. Applauded off by St Mary’s but needs sustained help from supporters to produce his best form.. Left-Midfield. Southampton. NATHAN REDMOND