Southampton 1-2 Leicester City: Saints Player Ratings

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton appeals as he is shown a red card by referee, Jonathan Moss during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton appeals as he is shown a red card by referee, Jonathan Moss during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Alex McCarthy – Goalkeeper – 6

McCarthy made three saves throughout the game and was left largely helpless by the two second-half strikes from Leicester; both wrong-footing the 28-year-old as he moved across his goal, and Harry Maguire’s winner travelled through a crowded penalty area in the dying seconds.

Cedric – Right-Back – 4.5

The Portuguese international set-up fellow full-back Ryan Bertrand for the opening goal of this contest with a cutback across the area, but he also made an uncharacteristic mistake that cost his side.

He misjudged a high ball into the area and a lack of communication with Elyounoussi led to Demarai Gray netting the away side’s equaliser.

Jannik Vestergaard – Centre-Back – 6.5

Returned to the side after illness ruled him out against Everton last weekend, and had a decent afternoon.

He attempted 54 passes, made two clearances and made two blocks over the course of the game.

Vestergaard starting long-term in Mark Hughes’ line-ups will be vital if positive results are to come soon.

Wesley Hoedt – Centre-Back – 6

Hoedt has been criticised recently for some shaky displays, so it was perhaps a surprise to see him retaining his place ahead of others such as Maya Yoshida.

He does seem to be helped by being paired with the dominant presence of Vestergaard, and he was able to make two tackles, two interceptions, two clearances and win three aerial duels.

At 24, Hoedt still has time to improve but it could be time to bring a less clumsy and error prone player in to give him time away from the spotlight.

Ryan Bertrand – Left-Back – 8

Influenced many attacks down the left-flank and linked very well with Redmond. His best moment of the match arrived shortly after half-time when he slammed home the opening goal from just outside the area.

Over the 90, the current team captain also contributed with a key pass, four dribbles, two interceptions and one tackle.

After a fairly lacklustre last season and having lost his England place, it would be nice to see this Bertrand back for good.

(all stats according to whoscored.com)