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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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Bernardo Silva of Manchester City shoots past James Ward-Prowse of Southampton (Photo by Frank Augstein/Pool via Getty Images)
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City shoots past James Ward-Prowse of Southampton (Photo by Frank Augstein/Pool via Getty Images) /

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 9

Seems to enjoy the freedom playing alongside the defensive Romeu.  Was able to run a little more, join the attack, and put in a fantastic cross that somehow did not find a finisher in the first half.  It is getting old talking about his work without the ball, but it is a deeply recognizable quality of the Southampton leader.

Oriol Romeu, Centre-Midfielder – 8

A week after breaking his nose, the warrior was back in the centre of the pitch.  This game may have been played above his pace at times, evidence seen in his first half yellow, but he was invaluable plugging up the midfield.  The team doesn’t seem to miss a beat as he has replaced Hojbjerg with very good form.

Stuart Armstrong, Attacking-Midfielder – 8

Looked refreshed and was excellent in his pressing, earning the assist on Che Adams’ first Southampton goal.  Did not see a lot of the ball and maybe tired down the stretch with so much good work without possession.  Quite possibly could have put the game away in the 75th minute if not for Ederson’s quality.  Ran himself into the ground alongside all of his teammates.

Nathan Redmond, Attacking-Midfielder – 7

Was very dangerous on the left side in the first half, but lacked the finishing touch.  Che Adams unexpectedly hit him in front of goal, so it is hard to fault him for the early miss, but he had two additional chances cutting in on his favored right side and neither really tested Ederson.  Definitely harsh to criticize him for not driving the ball down the field off the dribble enough as he was left all alone.