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

Strikers and Substitutes

Danny Ings, Striker – 7

Active in the early going and was given a chance to add to his goal tally, but was denied by Reina.  Dare to say his strongest impact was on the defencive end?  He made a nice tackle on Grealish running through the box and slowed the play in the centre of the pitch.  Fans might be disappointed he didn’t score, but for once he didn’t need to!

Shane Long, Striker – 7

Scored a very Shane Long goal, getting to the near post and taking the ball off his thigh to deflect it into the back of the net.  Not long after returned the favor to Djenepo, setting him up on the penalty mark.  Ran himself into the ground as usual, but probably should have produced more.  Set up Hojbjerg well, and put in a shift.

Michael Obafemi, Substitute Striker – 6

Part of a double striker switch with Che Adams.  Going to take a guess and say he injured himself on one of his early runs.  Was very tentative 1 on 1 with a defender and we never saw his explosive speed.

Che Adams, Substitute Striker – 7

Three shots attempted and an assist in 20 minutes is a solid shift for a substitute.  Was unlucky not to score in this one with everyone rooting for him.  Ended the game with excellent vision finding Armstrong on the counter 40 yards away.

Oriol Romeu, Substitute Centre-Midfielder – N/A

Came in for mop up duty after Smallbone beat him out for his place.  Just looked to keep possession, but the rust showed on a couple of touches.  Looks like the 4th choice centre-mid after this match.