Southampton 3-1 Sheffield United: Premier League- Three Key Players

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Southampton players celebrate at the end of 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: Southampton players celebrate at the end of 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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Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton celebrates with Alex McCarthy (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images)
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton celebrates with Alex McCarthy (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images) /

Alex McCarthy

Project Restart has seen the shot stopper in a rich vein of form. During the final knockings of the campaign the keeper has been called upon to make multiple crucial stops.

The likes of Manchester city, Manchester United, and Bournemouth, have all seen the number one pull-out excellent stops to deny them expected points.

The team from Yorkshire are now the latest to receive similar treatment. McCarthy first slid his body down to meet the attempt of former Saint Billy Sharp. The Englishman then doubled down, managing a superb diving stop to snuff out hopes of a Lundstram brace.

A United second surely would’ve made it a very difficult road back. Especially given the lack of motivating stakes riding on the final game.

There’s been some talk by fans and the media alike that a returning Fraser Forster may yet challenge for the gloves. McCarthy’s imperious run a form will likely make him very difficult to unseat.

Alex won Southampton’s 2018 player of the season, after proving a major difference between safety and relegation. Supporters fairly praised the goalie for pulling off crucial saves in the battle for survival.

McCarthy is unlikely to be winning the accolade this season, but make no mistake he is playing some of his best football to date.