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Southampton 2-3 Wolves: Premier League – Three Key Saints Players

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Romain Saiss of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cedric Soares of Southampton battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary's Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Romain Saiss of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cedric Soares of Southampton battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary's Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Jonny Otto of Wolverhampton Wanderers is fouled in the penalty area by Jack Stephens and Cedric Soares both of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Jonny Otto of Wolverhampton Wanderers is fouled in the penalty area by Jack Stephens and Cedric Soares both of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

Jack Stephens

Football is the ficklest of sports and Jack Stephens has borne more opinions than most in his time at Southampton. Dubbed ‘Championship quality’ just weeks ago, his performances in the recent Saints renaissance have earned the centre back typically over the top reviews comparing him with the best.

And after yesterday’s performance against Wolves he fell once more in everyone’s estimation, a descent from Maldini-esqe to heir apparent to Titus Bramble. Fickle fans aside, Stephens will be rightly disappointed for his part in the second and third Wolves goals, especially in helping to bundle down Jonny for the penalty.

It is fair to say it is still a learning curve for Stephens as he is enjoys his longest run in the side for a considerable amount of time. Both he and his Polish defensive partner failed to deal with the devastating power and pace of Traore in the second half. Hasenhuttl will be keen to emphasise the need to return to the form which saw wins over Spurs and Chelsea in the last few games.

As with Antonio’s performance in the West Ham game, Southampton need to learn to cope better with a physical forward capable of causing problems through sheer strength and speed. Could Romeu have been deployed after the first Wolves goal to offer physicality in return? Possibly but the fact remains that Stephens et al need to find a remedy to this hole in their armour before other teams seek to profit in similar fashion.

Next. Hasenhuttl not happy with key decision in loss to Wolves. dark