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Southampton 2-0 Aston Villa: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Stuart Armstrong of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at St Mary's Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Stuart Armstrong of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at St Mary's Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse attacks during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at St Mary’s Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse attacks during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at St Mary’s Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager, – 8

Decided to start Ward-Prowse at right-back and gave a Premier League debut to Will Smallbone.  Left his subs late and took both Long and Ings off in a double switch.  Adams and Obafemi probably should have scored, but the Saints manager pushed his team 3 points closer to the 40 point safety mark.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 6

Considering Villa did not have an attempt on target for most the match, McCarthy was surprisingly still a factor.  A couple of good claims out of the air were erased by a moment of indecision to clear a ball.  This formed a pattern of behavior as he was slow with his feet today and poor with his distribution.  His best two saves came with Villa’s Trezeguet offsides, and he did come up with a couple good punches, but that was it.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 7

Eager to get forward in the first half, but his two shots were nowhere near target.  Playing like a veteran which sometimes goes missed.  Delivered in a few quality set pieces, defended his position well and looks totally rejuvenated this season.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back  – 8

Back in the side an defended well, especially on a couple long balls from Villa.  Gave the opposing forwards little to nothing all game.  Kept possession well and took little risk.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 9

The confidence he is playing with right now is unbelievable.  Silky smooth in possession, defends his position with a calmer head and has transformed himself into the best centre-back on the team and a leader in the side.  Wow, I mean wow, Stephens’ impact cannot be understated.

James Ward-Prowse, Right-Back – 9

Tasked with the right-back position and dealing with Jack Grealish running at him all day.  Is a top level professional and hopefully silenced some critics as to why he gets runs at right-back.  Imagine if we would have lost him for an extended period of time with the leg injury?  Top-notch all-around performance.