Saints Marching
Fansided

Chelsea 0-2 Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Nathan Redmond of Southampton scores his team's second goal past Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Nathan Redmond of Southampton scores his team's second goal past Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea is challenged by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea is challenged by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper, and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 9

Big decision to rest his 11 goal striker and give Che Adams his chance.  The only other change to his preferred 4-2-2-2 was Michael Obafemi taking the place of injured Shane Long.  In the end, he looks like an absolute genius.  To think this team lost a game 0-9 this season and is now performing like this is a testament to the manager Southampton have.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 6

Little to do in the first half, other than catching a soft header and pushing a Chelsea cross wide of goal.  Got caught out in no-man’s land on a set piece and made all the saves he should have made.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 6

Earned a silly yellow for the team’s delay tactics in the first half as he took his time throwing the ball in.  Looks better bombing forward on the overlap than defending, but put it another professional shift.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 7

The partnership he is forming alongside Jack Stephens continues to shine.  Is a mainstay in Hasenhuttl’s team at just 23 years of age, and is quietly finding his form from a year ago.  Did not have the signature moment of the game, but boy was he rock solid.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 9

Was a thorn in the side of Tammy Abraham all match.  Did not give the Chelsea striker a sniff at goal, and covered the back line perfectly. That is back to back unbelievable performances from the once cast-off centre-back! Took a shot to the head in the dying moments from his goalkeeper, so let’s hope he is good for Saturday.

Cedric Soares, Right-Back – 7

Covered his space well in the first half, cutting out the quick passing play of Chelsea. Made the pressing tackle starting the break for the first goal.  Arguably the best all-around performance from the scrutinized right-back, especially in defence.