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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 goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (R) hugs Southampton’s English defender Jack Stephens (C) (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (R) hugs Southampton’s English defender Jack Stephens (C) (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 9

With a few injuries to deal with, Hasenhuttl packed his bench with youngsters, but most significantly gave Che Adams a start and it paid off.  Rode his starting 11 to the brink to get the win and let’s hope it was worth it.  Yes, it was, the Saints just beat City!

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 7

A couple very nice stops from under 10 yards out highlighted a solid first half.  Was forced into plenty of second half saves, maybe his best was on a David Silva shot from point blank.  Needs to be criticized for his distribution and decision-making with his feet, but not too harshly because of City’s press.  Two other crosses late on he could have dealt with better, but a clean sheet against City is an accomplishment in itself.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 8

Continues to play with fire, energy, and a renewed sense of pride for his club.  Not much more to say than a professional shift from the every week left-back.  Dealt with Mahrez and Foden while taking precious minutes out of the game with his cheeky time-wasting.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

Alongside his partner, had an excellent first half, selling out his body for blocked shots and crosses.  Continued through full time, battling with the rest of his back line until the bitter end.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 9

Great to have his calmness and leadership back in the Southampton side.  Looks very comfortable next to Bednarek and Walker-Peters who gives him some pace to cover on his right.  Was amazing blocking crosses and winning headers.  His season of immense development just checked another box.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 9

Looked up for the Sterling matchup from the get go and played with real confidence.  Displayed his long passing ability hitting Ings on a 30 yard lob.  Drove the ball forward off the dribble and threw his body in front of the ball with regularity.  Is well in front of Valery in his position battle and proved he can play at the highest level today.