Bournemouth 0-0 Southampton: Three key players

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth is challenged by Danny Ings of Southampton during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton FC at Vitality Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth is challenged by Danny Ings of Southampton during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton FC at Vitality Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Alex McCarthy of Southampton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on August 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Alex McCarthy of Southampton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on August 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Alex McCarthy

After leaving English International duty early a week ago with a hamstring problem, there was some wondering if it would be Angus Gunn in net for Southampton.  However, it was clear McCarthy was sent home just as a precaution as he put in another quality performance against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Sure McCarthy was not as busy as in recent Premier League starts, with just two shots on goal to deal with.  The Nathan Ake header the greatest threat to his goal, but McCarthy handled it comfortably.  The strength of the Southampton shot-stopper is in the air.  Every Bournemouth cross was either caught, parried, or punched away.  This skill cannot be over-emphasized, as the Saturday centre-back pairing has proven to struggle in aerial duels.

It is clear that Southampton scouts did their homework after plucking McCarthy from Crystal Palace in 2016.  Lets just hope the new contract he signed in June deters the big six from attempting to steal him from us, as he is clearly the secret to any Southampton success.