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Burnley 0-1 Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Alastair Case

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Players of Southampton walk out to the field of play prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on September 26, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Players of Southampton walk out to the field of play prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on September 26, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Oriol Romeu of Southampton (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Oriol Romeu of Southampton (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Stuart Armstrong – 5

The Scottish midfielder is capable of making a huge difference in tight affairs such as this, with his ability to exploit tight areas unparalleled within the Saints squad. However, despite a few early moments of promise, Armstrong was far from his best at Turf Moor.

He was unusually wasteful late on, failing on two occasions to find the run of Tella and release him into scoring position. Although he did work hard defensively, Armstrong looked reluctant to push on in his usual free roaming style.

Oriol Romeu – 8

Fantastic effort from the Spaniard in one of his best displays in recent months. Although Romeu will always have his critics, his work rate was phenomenal as he stifled the Burnley midfield.

Romeu shielded the back four expertly in tandem with his partner in crime, James Ward-Prowse. Whilst Saints do need to bring in another central midfielder to provide more depth to the squad, Romeu remains a reliable presence to call upon.

James Ward-Prowse – 7

A gritty performance from a midfielder often culpable of going AWOL in matches, Ralph Hasenhuttl will feel vindicated in his decision to give Ward-Prowse the captaincy based on this display.

Whilst not at his fluent best in terms of passing, the England international was a tough tackling fixture in the middle of the park, allowing the Burnley midfield little time on the ball.

Moussa Djenepo – 5

Poor showing from the Malian winger, especially in a match where he should have thrived against an inexperienced set of fullbacks. In fairness, Djenepo did work hard to offer support defensively, a legacy one suspects from the collapse at home to Spurs.

Unfortunately, he was unable to offer his usual vivacity going forward and with Redmond on his way back to fitness, Djenepo will need to play better to retain his place.