Manchester City 6-1 Southampton: Three key players

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United is challenged by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Jack Stephens

It was a terrible day for the entire team, and an incredibly difficult assignment for the back line, but Jack Stephens was probably the best of the bunch.

Wesley Hoedt had a real tough time keeping up with the pace of the opponents and looked lost attempting to man-mark Sergio Aguero. This tactical decision should bring to question the manager’s thought process, as Hoedt was routinely moved out of position by creative runs and lacks recovery effort and speed to get back in line. Therefore Stephens’ performance is not so much marked by his personal success, but having to deal with a partner who was critically overmatched.

Fans should endear to the fact that Stephens plays with passion, is a centre-back who threatens on set pieces (when he is not pushing opponents over), and has the pace to deal with the majority of the league. The 6-1 score was not a result of his play, and those who watch the game away from the ball will know that best.

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