Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8
Fairly big calls to rest Ings and bring Vestergaard in for the injured Vestergaard, but they both paid off.
His players now know their roles so well that European qualification is more likely than relegation. Superb.
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 6
A low score, but only because he literally had no saves to make. May be rested in the cup at the weekend for Angus Gunn.
Cedric Soares, Right-Back – 5
Injured after just 21 minutes, with Ward-Prowse dropping back to fill in. Will this force Saints into the January market?
Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 8
A very good display considering he must have been feeling a little rusty. One shaky moment when giving the ball away almost led to a Palace opener, but proved he can step in when needed.
Seven clearances and six aerial duels won.
Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 7
Another assist for Jack ‘Beckenbauer’ Stephens as he chipped forward to Redmond ahead of the opening goal.
Who’d have thought he would be so crucial to this team at the beginning of the season?
Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 7
Lively down the left with four successful tackles and the second-most touches of the ball in the Saints team.