Saints Marching
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Che Adams of Southampton celebrates (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images)
Che Adams of Southampton celebrates (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images) /

Strikers and Substitutes

Danny Ings, Striker – 7

Desperate to find something in the first half hour, but Sheffield defended him so well.  There were always two or more bodies around him and they never let him go right.  Selflessly dummied his best chance, allowing Che Adams an opportunity for a brace.  Worked tirelessly in pursuit of the Golden Boot and finished a penalty cooly after missing a week ago.

Che Adams, Striker – 9

First big contribution was nearly an assist on a Danny Ings strike.  He rolled his defender on the left and curled and outside of the boot pass to find Ings a shot on his weak foot.  A few blunders here and there, falling over near the penalty area maybe too often for his strength.  Made up for it to start the second half with a very impressive goal created with pace and finished with class.  Adams outran his defender three steps closer to goal and beat Dean Henderson with a snapshot on his near post.  His second goal was a striker reacting to an opportunity before a defender and absolutely pounded into the net with accuracy.  A goal-scoring Che Adams along side Ings is a very dangerous pairing looking ahead to 2020-21.

Will Smallbone, Substitute Attacking-Midfielder – 5

Entered the game when Armstrong was unable to continue.  Failed to connect in his first 45 minutes while his decision-making too often went the wayside.

Shane Long, Substitute Striker – N/A

Made a late appearance to run out the game with the Saints up 3-1.

Michael Obafemi, Substitute Striker – N/A

Entered during stoppage time for Oriol Romeu and took a place on the right wing as Smallbone moved into the centre.

Next. Saints secure first summer signing on four-year contract. dark