Leicester vs Southampton: Key Players in Big Saints Victory

Southampton marched into the King Power with one thing on their mind, revenge. And that is exactly what they got on Saturday.

Saturday, was an exciting match that saw the Saints pick up another 3 points and climb even further away from the relegation zone and closer to a potential Europa League spot.

Danny Ings, found the back of the net yet again (and really could have had a few more), and the Saints have shown the world just how far they have come since their lowest moment just months ago.

Let us take a look at key players in the Saints redemption game.

Stuart Armstrong

Stu, since returning to the lineup has been absolute class and a massive part of the team’s success. What always impresses me about Armstrong is his movement on and off the ball. He is always looking to find space to drop into or make a run to pull a defender with him.

His goal could not have come at a better time either. Saints started out the game strongly but conceded a goal against the run of play and to respond quickly and get the game back on level terms soon after probably kept them in that match.

There were some questions about who would start in the midfield alongside Nathan Redmond and it looks like Hasenhuttl has his man.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Alex McCarthy

I was very impressed with McCarthy’s match this Saturday. He looked confident and made the big saves when needed. He faced 5 shots and turned 4 of them away. Including a reaction save late in the match to keep the Saints 1 goal advantage.

Ever since stepping back into the net after the Angus Gunn was dropped McCarthy has been solid and think this was his best performance of the season.

Southampton’s improved defensive record has been key in turning around their season and a keeper playing with confidence can be a game changer.

Shane Long and Che Adams

The final spot is shared by the two strikers because they both collected assists on Saturday and played a key part in the victory. It goes without saying that Danny Ings has basically been the Saints offense this season and the lack of production from his strike partners has been concerning at times.

But that changed on Saturday when two strikers, not named Danny Ings, created goals (Ings however did score on of the goals and continues being the best striker in the league). Even if they are not scoring themselves getting assists and setting up their teammates is just as valuable.

Southampton, have not been held scoreless for a month now and hopefully the goals start flowing from all over and not just from a single source.