Aston Villa vs Southampton: Premier League – Player Ratings

Strikers and Substitutes

Danny Ings, Striker – 9

Was off to the races from the first whistle.  Maybe a bit too unselfish, but setup Adams and Walcott for early chances.  His goal was a firm reminder of his finishing quality.  Cutting in from the left side he knows exactly where he is and exactly how he needs to strike the ball to beat the keeper.  His injury looked severe, grabbing his shin immediate after the awkward fall.  Ralph’s reaction was nearly as bad and it does not look good in the moment.

Che Adams, Striker – 6.5

VAR negated an early goal, but he didn’t do much to earn it.  Ran down loose balls and helped start some counters, but not a lot of attacking play.  Best contributions were seen in his own defensive third.

Jack Stephens, Substitute Centre-Back – 5

Joined the side after the half with an injury to Jan Bednarek.  Expectedly didn’t look sharp, but did enough to see out the three points, albeit just enough.

Ibrahima Diallo, Substitute Centre-Mid – N/A

Came in for Bertrand, but took up a centre-mid position with JWP going to left-back.  Gave away a penalty in stoppage time attempting to clear the box.

Shane Long, Substitute Striker – N/A

Entered due to Ings’ injury and helped run out the game.  In all due respect, let’s hope we don’t see a lot of him in the coming weeks, because that means Ings is injured.