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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: 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) /

Midfielders

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Centre-Midfielder – 8

Did a lot of work to get forward in this match as Smallbone covered for him.  Started a couple counter attacks and was nearly rewarded when Shane Long found him for a volley from 18 yards out.  Helped out to cut down Grealish’s dribbling lanes and led his side to a much needed clean sheet.

Will Smallbone, Centre-Midfielder – 8

A Premier League debut the day after his 20th birthday is not too bad.  Extremely calm on the ball in the first half and ripped a 25 yard shot off the outside of the post.  Disappeared for the beginning of the second half, but it was not his fault.  Showed he belongs and is going to be a part of the Hasenhuttl squad down the stretch.  This is a youth player to get very excited about.

Stuart Armstrong, Attacking-Midfielder – 9

Was the trigger of a couple nice first half counter attacks.  Played with energy and drove the team forward when Ings and Long were removed.  Not sure how he had the legs in him to finish off that final goal, but he totally deserved it with his performance.

Moussa Djenepo, Attacking-Midfielder – 8

Brought his confidence to the match from the onset.  Beat plenty of Villa defenders off the dribble, and assisted Shane Long for his goal.  Should have had a goal or two in the first 25 minutes and unfortunate to only get one shot on target.  Took a head injury, but carried on for the full 90 minutes.  Decision-making needs to speed up a tick to find more success, but this was an encouraging match with Redmond and Boufal out.