Saints Marching
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Southampton 1-2 Cardiff City: Premier League – Three Key Players

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Cardiff City at St Mary's Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Cardiff City at St Mary's Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Cardiff City at St Mary’s Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Cardiff City at St Mary’s Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

Jack Stephens

A week after being chastised by Southampton fans for his handball against Burnley, the Saints’ centre-back is back at the forefront of discussions.

Ralph Hasenhuttl gave Stephens his support following his error at Burnley, as there was much speculation he would be dropped for Maya Yoshida who returned from the Asian Cup.  Playing in the centre of the three backs, Stephens had a pretty sound defencive game.  Primarily dealing with the pace of Bobby Reid and Oumar Niasse in cover for his partners Jannik Vestergaard and Jan Bednarek.

Stephens was nearly the hero, scoring a back post goal from a James Ward-Prowse corner in the 91st minute, but many would place him at fault for giving up the game winner.  Stephens had an opportunity to send the ball long in extra time, but instead played a tired short pass to the Cardiff midfield which led to the stoppage time goal.  The second critical error in two games which has firmly cemented Southampton into a roller coaster ride to end the 2018-19 season.