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Southampton 1-1 Brighton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

Southampton's Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has a shot on goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has a shot on goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s English defender Jake Vokins  (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English defender Jake Vokins  (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Gave a few players a much needed rest after a grueling stretch of schedule.  Handing Vokins his debut shows his interest in him long term and another appearance for Smallbone highlights his promise.  Obafemi likely earned his start out of sheer freshness, but some would say he was rewarded for his goal on Monday.  Made the necessary half time switches and put his team on the front foot.  Will be disappointed the Saints did not get the win and drew their 3rd straight.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 6

Cannot be at fault for the first goal, his defence let him down.  A thunderous punch in the 27th minute led to a inauspicious knee to the ribs of his teammate Hojbjerg.  It was nothing right?  Desperately needs to improve his distribution with his feet, but he made an amazing throw out to Ings and maybe should keep the ball in his hands.

Jake Vokins, Left Wing-Back – 6

Tried to get involved early, combining with Redmond, but the lack of match time was evident.  Nearly scored in the second half with a low driving strike which was a pleasant surprise.  His left-foot continued to impress as he found Redmond running down the left side from 30 yards.  Unlucky to not get an assist tonight and looks like he is developing nicely.

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 6

Started the game playing really high, likely asked to start attacks with his direct passing, but it forced him to run backwards.  Was too relaxed and allowed Murray to win the flick on for the first goal.  Nearly, almost nearly scored the goal of the season with a 30 yard strike.  Did not have to defend a lot, but did his part.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 7

Some good interventions early, but was late stepping to Maupay for the first goal.  Took on a sweeper role and had very little to do for the entirety of the match, but continues to be a mainstay for Hasenhuttl.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Right-Back – 5

It is not the first time we have seen Hojbjerg at right-back, but maybe a surprising time to pick him considering the present speculation.  Delivered the first attempt on goal and after a good cushion, probably should have scored regardless of his poor record.  Shifted to his normal role to start the second half as Romeu was replaced.  His passing throughout the match was fairly accurate and he marshaled the field as a centre-mid.  Missed a second great opportunity to score in the 65th minute however, and one has to wonder how badly he really feels about it?