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Southampton 3-1 Sheffield United: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium on July 26, 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 all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium on July 26, 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 all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images) /
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Sheffield United’s English midfielder John Lundstram scores (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sheffield United’s English midfielder John Lundstram scores (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Went with his trusted eleven with Jan Bednarek still recovering from a minor injury.  Looks to have found his preferred partnership of Ings and Adams, while leaving Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg out of the side entirely.  Was forced into an early change, but still does not care for the 5 substitution rule or making switches before the 80th minute.  It’s clear he has his plan, and that means everyone is fit and Southampton play every match like a cup final.  Hey, it is clearly working!

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 8

Huge save in the first 15 minutes, closing down Sharp and winning a goal kick.  Nearly saved the Lundstrum goal and then made a game-saving block on the goal-scorer in the 34th minute.  His weakness with the ball at his feet still was evident despite his manager’s praise in development.  McCarthy almost handed Sheffield the lead back with another errant pass right down the middle.  Regardless of the errors, he is an efficient shot-stopper and he showed it today.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 8

Really enjoyed this game and got forward early, although his crossing could have been more on target.  Hard to fault him for the first goal even though his mark scored.  Difficult to expect the cross getting through and reacting in time to make a block.  Probably will have words with Redmond after all the overlapping he did with very little opportunity to show for it.

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 5

Got beaten badly for pace behind to give Billy Sharp a great chance to score.  Looked disconnected from the get go with a couple of passes not in sync with his midfielders. Did not deal with the cross leading to the first goal.  Otherwise did well to keep Sheffield in their own half, but it is hard to overlook the errors that haunt him.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 9

His playmaking can get lost in the mix because he does it so effortlessly, but he stopped multiple attacks before they ever got to midfield.  Hard to imagine a team sheet without his name on it as he has developed into a very impressive Premier League centre-back.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 7

A fairly solid first half, but his crosses missed their mark and he had a giveaway in transition leading to a Sheffield break.  Took the shot, cutting in on his left foot, leading to Che Adams’ second goal.  Let’s hope that was not the last we have seen of KWP.