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Aston Villa 1-3 Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton FC at Villa Park on December 21, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton FC at Villa Park on December 21, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton celebrates with the fans following the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton FC at Villa Park on December 21, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton celebrates with the fans following the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton FC at Villa Park on December 21, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager  – 7

Hasenhuttl went with one change to his match day squad from a week ago, with Stuart Armstrong getting the nod over an injured Moussa Djenepo.  Fans hoped for Che Adams alongside Danny Ings, but again it was the veteran Shane Long in the 4-2-2-2.  Ralph left the subs late again, maybe allowing Villa back into it. Although, it’s another win against a bottom of the table side, and a date with Chelsea on Boxing Day.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 7

Continues to keep out Angus Gunn and showed why with a game-changing save in the 15th minute.  Was solid throughout, most notably catching crosses out of the air, and a key stop on a second Grealish strike.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 6

Started the game well, linking up with Nathan Redmond going forward.  Literally hit Shane Long in the head with a cross that should have been scored. Caught out of position once or twice on defence, but did enough today to help the team win.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back –  6

Won the header starting the move to the first goal.  Defended admirably, but other than one or two blocks, no key moments to report.  Has started every Premier League game by Ralph Hasenhuttl and no reason to see that change.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 9

The first noticeable contribution Stephens made an amazing forward run to nearly put Shane Long in.  He would top that with a deft header off a Ward-Prowse corner to put the Saints two-nil up. Played well defensively in the first half, winning a number of critical headers and defending Jack Grealish 1v1.  Added to the all-around performance with stout second half defending with two key blocks late on.

Cedric Soares, Right-Back – 3

Still the only healthy right-back with Jan Valery sidelined with a viral infection.  Is the clear weak link in the side with a number of questionable passes and clearances. Need to find a solution at right-back ASAP.