Portsmouth 0-4 Southampton: Carabao Cup – Player Ratings

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Cedric Soares of Southampton(back) celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Cedric Soares of Southampton(back) celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton looks to break past Tom Naylor of Portsmouth during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton looks to break past Tom Naylor of Portsmouth during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Midfielders

Oriol Romeu, Defensive Centre-Mid – 7

The birthday boy was again in charge of protecting the Southampton back line as usual.  Was very good in possession late and cleaned up for the sloppiness of his partner midfielders at times.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, Left Centre-Mid – 5

Dropped into a left back position when the team was in possession and was surprisingly negative early on.  The whole midfield seemed a little uncomfortable, and Pierre was noticeably off with his touch. Nearly made the game 2-0 on a rebounded attempt that he probably wish he just hit a little higher.  Is really good at pressing at the right times to win the ball at midfield, but the quality of his play needs to be a little bit higher while wearing the captain band.

James Ward-Prowse, Right Centre-Mid – 5

Was around the ball a lot and brought some toughness into the Southampton side with a couple early fouls.  On the counter he was very direct and took a quality shot from distance with options surrounding him.  Runs himself all over the pitch, but another performance that leaves something to be desired.