Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 7.5
It might seem odd to be giving a winning manager only a 7.5, especially after a win away and a clean sheet. Yet Southampton weren’t at their best in what could have been a high scoring affair. The decision to drop/rest Bertrand (select what you believe) could have been disastrous, as Saints were exposed repeatedly down their left in the absence of a specialist left back. The Austrian boss will surely need to consider restoring a left back to his side.
However an attacking trio of Boufal, Adams and Djenepo looked promising, with the usual magic box of tricks and pace looking more fluid and effective than Saints have looked for a while.
Angus Gunn, Goalkeeper – 8
A second clean sheet for Angus Gunn this season, which will surely please the young shot stopper. A couple of excellent saves will give Gunn confidence after some shaky moments earlier in the season. The save late on from Didzy was vital in maintaining a slender lead, whilst the save earlier on from another ex-saint Dave McGoldrick kept Saints all square.
Is he worthy of an England call up? Probably not just yet but a few more performances like today and Southgate will be forced to pass his gaze towards the England under 21 youngster.
Cedric Soares, Right Back – 7
A much more solid performance from the Portuguese international after some nervy displays in recent games. Being asked to switch over from right to left back mid game would have fazed many players but Cedric did well to adapt.
The fan base have often been quick to criticise the right back and on occasions, rightly so. Yet Hasenhuttl has persevered with Cedric following his return from his Italian adventure and his faith was rewarded with a strong showing in Sheffield.
Jannik Vestergaard, Centre Back – 5
Not at his best against the Blades but it has to be remembered the progress the great Dane has made under Hasenhuttl. That said, Vestergaard looked shaky at times and defensively his positioning was not at the standards normally expected at this level.
He looked exposed at times by the tenacity of Sharp and whilst he will point to the clean sheet, a better team would have punished him for his hesitance. Must do better to retain his place when Danso returns from suspension. Booked.
Jan Bednarek, Centre Back – 8
Outstanding. What a fine player the 23 year old is maturing into. Reads the game so astutely and some excellent blocks, including getting in the way of a Fleck shot late on.
Can he develop further? If Bednarek continues at this rate, it won’t be long before suitors tread the well trodden path to Southampton to court his signature.
Maya Yoshida, Centre Back – 7.5
No longer do Southampton fans nervously chew their fingers when Yoshida is announced over the tannoy as being in starting eleven. Although he still has an error or two in his locker, Yoshida looks a far classier player than years gone by.
Alongside Bednarek at Bramall Lane, he showed his class and experience to help secure a valuable 3 points. He successfully got himself in the way of efforts from Fleck and Baldock, whilst looking generally calm on the ball throughout. With Danso due to return from suspension, it may well be Vestergaard which gives away.