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Southampton 1-0 Manchester City: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on July 05, 2020 in Southampton, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein/Pool via Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on July 05, 2020 in Southampton, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein/Pool via Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s English midfielder Nathan Redmond (L) runs with the ball chased by Manchester City’s Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo (C)(Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English midfielder Nathan Redmond (L) runs with the ball chased by Manchester City’s Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo (C)(Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Southampton put in the defensive performance of the season in a 1-0 victory over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Ralph Hasenhuttl made three changes to the side victorious over Watford FC Sunday.  Che Adams received a well-deserved start after his manager spoke highly of his performance last weekend. Jack Stephens returned from his suspension and took his place next to Jan Bednarek and Stuart Armstrong was back in his usual spot on the right wing.

The highlight of the match and what all Saints fans will remember is Che Adams’ first goal in a Southampton uniform.  An excellent Hasenhuttl press was won by Armstrong, and Adams displayed the wherewithal in recognizing City goalkeeper Ederson was high off his line.  The first touch strike from 45 yards out took one bounce and hit the back of the net, breaking the ice for Adams and the eventual game-winner for the Saints.

What should be remembered is the work Southampton did without the ball.  City took 74% of possession, attempted 25 shots on goal, and only 6 actually reached target.  The Saints’ complete willingness to throw themselves between the ball and the goal was phenomenal.  Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek were immense in the centre of the pitch, but even Danny Ings sacrificed life and limb for this win.

Yes, Southampton were up against the pressure for the entirety of the match, but they looked very dangerous off the counter.  Stuart Armstrong nearly sealed the game in the 75th minute and he just missed Shane Long on a break before stoppage time.  What may be most impressive is Hasenhuttl’s willingness to allow his team to ride the game out through the 96th minute.  Making just two subs, it appeared the manager wanted to preserve the team effort and reward his players for one of the best home performances in recent memory.

Here are the Southampton FC player ratings for the tremendous win over Manchester City.