Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 5
Is there much Ralph Hasenhuttl could have done to prevent Vestergaard letting the ball go over his head for the opener or for the defence to collectively leave Barnes unmarked for his second? Possibly not but the Southampton manager will be rightly disappointed with how the game ultimately panned out.
The Austrian had no answer to his opposite number’s direct style of play as Southampton were overwhelmed in the midfield by a physical Burnley side. Worth noting that he could have brought Boufal on earlier, whilst questions will be raised regarding how a five man defence was so easily breached.
Angus Gunn, Goalkeeper – 4
Despite having a carefree first half, Gunn should have done better with the first and third Burnley goals. In particular, Gunn ought to have stopped Barnes well-struck opener which passed his feet by inches. There wasn’t much the English youngster could do to prevent Barnes’ second but Gunn will be disappointed with how easily Gudmundsson curled the ball round him for the Clarets’ third. With McCarthy waiting in the wings, Gunn will need to improve significantly to retain his place.
Yan Valery, Right Wing-Back – 5.5
The only slight bright spot in the Southampton defence, Valery looked comfortable on the ball, especially when going forwards. A couple of good crosses, including a lovely ball in the first couple of minutes which Che Adams failed to convert.
Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 5
Wasn’t responsible for any of the goals but could have done more to stamp his authority on the game. Looked happy to launch the ball out of play when under pressure but did not appear comfortable in the back three alongside Stephens and Vestergaard.
Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 4.5
A couple of horror moments, including a slip which was very nearly costly but fortunately he was reprieved by a correct VAR decision of offside. The primary issue with Stephens is his propensity to switch off at key moments and today did little to assuage the concerns about his all round performance. Some nice distribution at times married with a few well-timed tackles rescued his overall score.
Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 3
This was a definitive game of two halves for the Danish international. He looked strong in the first half, especially in the air and was keen to get on the ball. However, the Dane was abysmal in the second period, failing to connect with the ball which led to Barnes opener. Minutes later, he went one further and left Barnes unmarked to tap his second goal in. Hard to see Vestergaard retaining his place, especially with Danso and Yoshida capable of deputising.
Ryan Bertrand, Left Wing-Back – 5
Some fine link up play in the first half was undermined by a lazy attempt to retain possession in the second, in turn leading to Gudmundsson’s goal. Signs that a promising relationship with Redmond down the left hand side could be productive this season but needs to show leadership in a defence devoid of any natural leaders.