Watford 1-3 Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl – 9.5

The Austrian’s tactics were spot on from the outset and there will be no better way of illustrating the virtues of gegen-pressing than his side’s display against Watford.

Saints were relentless in their pressing and allowed the Watford centre backs no time on the ball, nor any opportunity to play out from the back. Watford’s midfield struggled to cope with the intensity and physicality of Southampton, with the away side winning almost every second ball or 50/50 tackle.

After the mediocre display against Arsenal, one can only imagine how happy Hasenhuttl was with the immediate reaction from his team. Although the home form remains a concern, the extraordinary away record puts Saints up there with the best in the division. Reaching the magic 40 points will be a relief and it will be interesting to see whether Hasenhuttl experiments with the team in the forthcoming games or decides to focus on an unlikely push for European football.

Alex McCarthy – 6

After the unfortunate error against Arsenal which visibly haunted the Southampton shot stopper last Thursday, there was a noticeable air of urgency from McCarthy in the rare times he was in possession at Vicarage Road. It was also apparent that McCarthy was looking to kick earlier upon receipt of backpasses, presumably mindful of the gaffe made against Arsenal.

Besides his improved kicking, McCarthy had about as much to do as the stewards watching on from the sidelines. He was helpless for Bednarek’s own goal and beyond that unfortunate mishap, one would be hard pressed to recall McCarthy being called into action.

Kyle Walker-Peters – 8.5

Given a starting berth ahead of Yan Valery, it was a perfect opportunity for Spurs loanee Walker-Peters to show what he was capable of. What was evident from early on, was that the 23 year old right back was keen to impress and his confidence on the ball provided reassurance to those around him.

He looked sharp, alert and was quick to close down any threats when they appeared. Could he have got out to Holebas quicker to prevent the cross for the Watford goal? Possibly but that would be a harsh assessment of a player who was impressive throughout the game.

At some point soon, a decision will need to be made about attempting sign him permanently. Based on this performance, it will have done his cause no harm.

Jan Bednarek – 8.5

Paired with Vestergaard after a relatively settled few games alongside Jack Stephens, the Polish centre back looked solid with a series of blocks and headed clearances. The second half brought an improved Watford performance and Bednareks outstretched foot turned in a cross from the left to bring Watford back into the game.

Although he needed to make the interception given the Watford forwards queuing up behind, Bednarek will be disappointed that the fateful touch spoiled an otherwise strong performance. He is becoming increasingly essential to Hasenhuttl and tying him down to a new, long term contract should be an absolute priority.

Jannik Vestergaard – 8.5

Yet to endear himself to the Southampton faithful, the great Dane started brightly and won a lot aerially as Watford played a series of long balls in the first half. Alongside the calm presence of Bednarek, it should be noted that Vestergaard was more than his equal in terms of performance.

He has often been criticised for not being physical enough, an accusation which must hurt a player standing at nearly two metres tall. However, Vestergaard dominated, nullifying the aerial threat of Deeney and unlike previous performances, spent less time dwelling on the ball. A big improvement in what was probably his best game since his arrival.

Ryan Bertrand – 8

Aside from a timid penalty shout from Sarr, Bertrand didn’t put a foot wrong in a strong first half showing. Looking quicker and sharper than recent appearances, Bertrand was a willing runner and supported Redmond down the left hand side.

He remained resolute in the face of the assault that Watford mustered in the opening 15 minutes of the second half with some well timed challenges, allowing the talented Sarr little success down the right hand side.

Another player with the prospect of a new deal possibly approaching, Saints would do well to extend the time of one of their most loyal servants.