Southampton 0-0 Newcastle: Three key players – 27/10/18
By Erik Franzo
Jack Stephens
Stephens earned his second consecutive start at a crowded position for a Southampton side focused on keeping clean sheets. The young centre-back delivered another strong performance alongside Wesley Hoedt, in what may be the preferred partnership for the near future.
Last week the pairing earned the key players nod within this article, but Stephens shined against Newcastle, and even flashed some ability on the attacking end. Just before half time, he steered a Ryan Bertrand corner on frame that forced a diving save out of Martin Debravka. In extra time, he just missed getting on the end of a James Ward-Prowse free kick that would have sealed the three points.
Stephens has been impressive in his two starts, because just a few weeks ago he was buried on the Southampton depth chart. Now he has new signing Jaanik Vestergaard and veteran Maya Yoshida watching him pitchside, while Poland International Jan Bednarek can’t find his name on the game day sheet.
With back to back shut outs on his resume, he has now impressed his manager enough where he should get a crack at stopping the reigning Premier League champions next Sunday.