Southampton 1-1 Tottenham: FA Cup – Saints Player Ratings

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton runs from Dele Alli and Harry Winks of Tottenham Hotspur during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St. Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton runs from Dele Alli and Harry Winks of Tottenham Hotspur during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St. Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Jack Stephens of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Jack Stephens of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Ralph had some decisions to make with Cedric out 2-3 weeks, Vestergaard concussed, and Shane Long sidelined with a swollen knee.  Decided to go with Obafemi over Che Adams which will come with some questions.  Made a tactical switch to apply the pressure late, turning to a 3-5-2 with Boufal entering for Danso.  Boufal got the equaliser and Southampton nearly won the game thanks to the manager’s proactive switch.

Angus Gunn, Goalkeeper – 7

Unbelievable save from his left boot to stop a Spurs counter and a Lucas Mora shot.  Maybe should have done better on the Son goal down to his left side, but it was hit hard into the corner.  Came off his line well to sweep the back line when the team shifted to three defenders.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 8

Strong first half running the left wing and defending the counter attack in place of an injured Cedric.  Touch was on and created some attacks cutting out passes and running at Spurs with pace.  Didn’t offer many crosses, but played a crafty and clean game with some tactical fouls.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 7

Lucky not to have received an early yellow on a rash challenge.  Stopped Son 1 on 1 during a quick counter, but had a few fouls where he overstepped his boundaries.  Still nice to have the Polish mainstay back and geared up for Liverpool.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 7

Ventured forward quite a bit in the first half.  Probably should have done better with a couple corner kicks put right into his path.  Looked like his legs were heavy in this one, but still came up with some big defensive plays late.

Kevin Danso, Right-Back – 7

A little out of position giving Son the first Tottenham chance.  Understandably looks a step behind his peers due to lack of game time, but he did OK in the first half.  Served in two quality crosses and had to defend Spurs best player throughout the game.  A quality performance, but will he face Liverpool?