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

Midfielders

Oriol Romeu – 7.5

The Spaniard was recalled to the side in place of the injured Hojbjerg and was his usual, combative self. A bloodied nose in the first half did not deter Romeu from getting stuck in a workmanlike performance.

There were also some good examples of tidy footwork in some tight positions and for the most part, Romeu looked sharp on his return to first team action. He provided a constant shield for Bednarek and Vestergaard, whilst making himself always available for the pass in unfussy fashion.

James Ward-Prowse – 8

Southampton’s newly appointed skipper is becoming increasingly physical in his central role. Although far from his most influential performance in a Saints shirt, he did produce a couple of difficult crosses which were not capitalised on. In past seasons, Ward-Prowse has been culpable of going missing but with his new found tenacity and aggression, he contributes even when not at his best.

Ward-Prowse sparked into the life when Armstrong entered the fray and following Watford’s goal, he was given an opportunity to make an impact.

Boy did he take it – a free kick awarded around 20 yards from Watford’s goal looked inviting and there was only one player who was ever going to take it. With Foster positioned to the right of the goal, Ward-Prowse curled an exquisite strike into the top left side of the goal, registering his first goal since the reverse fixture in December.

Nathan Redmond – 7

It was a subdued first half performance from Redmond, who looked a little bit jaded and lethargic in his running. Unlike the Norwich game where he ran the Canaries ragged, he struggled to make a substantial impact against a hard working, albeit sluggish Watford defence.

As with many other players, he became more influential after Armstrong’s introduction and a powerful shot from Redmond cannoned into the post late on to almost put icing on the proverbial cake.

Will Smallbone – 6

The young Irishman was preferred to rested Armstrong and looked uncertain at times in the first half in an unfamiliar role on the right side. That being said, Smallbone worked hard for the common cause and was rewarded for his endeavours by assisting Ings for the opener.

Although his manager will be happy with the work rate of the academy graduate, he was right lot replaced by Armstrong after the hour mark. With some dead rubbers to come and with Hojbjerg seemingly on his way out, one suspects the door will open for more opportunities for Smallbone.