Brighton 0-1 Southampton: Premier League – Player Ratings

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 9

With a return of 24 points from 16 games, there is no argument about the impact the Austrian has had since his arrival in December. Hasenhuttl’s game plan was spot on against Brighton and the high intensity pressing caused problems all afternoon for Chris Houghton’s side. The decision to play four at the back was a surprise to many observers and it was evident that Brighton had expected to set up against a five man defence.

His substitutions were astute once Saints went ahead, meaning that they were able to soak up the late onslaught that was thrown at them. Realistically another two wins should be enough to keep Southampton up and with games to come against Huddersfield, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Wolves, there is every reason for Hasenhuttl to be optimistic.

Angus Gunn, Goalkeeper – 7

In all honesty, the Southampton keeper was hardly tested against a poor Brighton forward line. A curling shot from Knockaert went well wide whilst there was little the 21 year old keeper could do about Montoya’s crashing shot against the crossbar. Gunn can be proud of maintaining a clean sheet in the circumstances, especially without the usual five defenders sat in front of him. A comfortable save low down from a Locadia shot was about the extent of the work Gunn needed to undertake.

Yan Valery, Right Back – 7.5

The young right back is really growing in confidence after some shaky appearances earlier on in the campaign. He celebrated his recent contract extension with a clean sheet and was a supportive presence down the right side when Southampton pushed forward.  Defensively Valery is improving noticeably and at the tender age of 20 years old, the sky could be the limit.

Maya Yoshida, Centre Back – 7

Gone are the days where the Japanese international was the weak link in the Southampton defence and once again, Yoshida marshalled the back line effectively. He compliments Bednarek nicely and made a couple of tidy headers defensively against Locadia and Knockaert. If Southampton continue with four at the back, Yoshida has made it hard for Vestergaard to regain his spot.

Jan Bednarek, Centre Back – 8

The Polish centre back was outstanding once again at the Amex stadium and is developing into a top class defender. Very little eluded Bednarek as he made three interceptions and seven clearances against an admittedly off colour Brighton strike force. The worry for Saints is that he will be starting to attract unwanted attention from higher placed sides. Time to tie the 22 year old down on a new contract.

Ryan Bertrand, Left Back – 7

Southampton look a completely different side with Bertrand present in their side. England’s loss is Southampton’s gain as the left back’s lack of favour in the international arena has allowed him to stay fresh over the last few weeks.

At 29 years old, Bertrand is approaching his final few years at the top and his experience could be imperative to helping to guide and develop a young Saints squad under Hasenhuttl. A willing runner down the left hand side, Bertrand linked up with Redmond well and even had a shot in the second half.