Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 5
Hasenhuttl decided to go with Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong in his attack and again deployed wing backs without anyone to cross to. The health of his strikers is becoming extremely worrisome, but Ralph continues to stick to his guns and is not getting results. Tried to make an adjustment at half time, but risked Obafemi off of injury, and it did not work out. Lack of experience on the pitch is a factor, and we will probably see a host of changes midweek.
Angus Gunn, Goalkeeper – 7
Gunn took over for Alex McCarthy and kept his team within reach. The Lacazette goal he could do nothing about, and Stephens put him in a very tough spot in the lead up to the second. If we are being fair, he was slow sliding over to his left as Mkhitaryan passed the ball into the far post. However, considering the opponent and the poor defending at times, Gunn had a pretty solid game.
Jan Bednarerk, Centre-Back – 6.5
Jan had a couple key blocks, including one late on that should have made it 3-0. It wasn’t his cleanest performance though, with a couple poor fouls and give-aways.
Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 4
Stephens is taking all the slack for his poor decision-making which led to the second goal. For some reason his mistakes are consistently magnified and it has legitimately cost Southampton points they cannot afford to lose. Will be near impossible to justify Hasenhuttl starting him over Yoshida on Wednesday. Especially after being removed in the double switch at half time.
Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 6
Hard to fault Vestergaard for any of the defensive mistakes against Arsenal. However, he continues to do nothing on attacking set pieces despite his size.
Matt Targett, Left Wing-Back – 6.5
The surprise inclusion in the starting eleven with Ryan Bertrand on the Saints’ bench and go figure, three good opportunities to score fell to him on Sunday. The final strike off a corner should have found the back of the net, if not for a great save by Bernd Leno. Will be interesting to see who starts against Fulham.
Yan Valery, Right Wing-Back – 8
He is not a teenager anymore, but he continues to play years above his age and experience. Maybe the most exciting part of this season is watching this kid develop before our eyes. He is getting more comfortable in an attacking role and seems to have a long, winding run towards goal every game. Best player on the field for Saints in two consecutive games.