Aston Villa vs Southampton: A tactical and statistical review of Saints' win

Aston Villa vs Southampton: A tactical and statistical review of Saints’ win

By Marc Walker | Nov 1, 2020

Southampton's English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (L) celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 1, 2020. (Photo by Gareth Copley / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

4 of 6

Southampton’s English goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Alex McCarthy plays his part

With Saints dominating the first-half and going in to half-time at 3-0 up, Alex McCarthy had been untroubled.

After previous clean sheets against Burnley, West Brom and Everton, he would have been fancying his chances of claiming another shutout.

However, he was forced to respond with some vital saves in the second-half and certainly played his part in keeping the three points for his side.

After making no saves at all in the first period, he made seven in the second – two impressive to deny Trezeguet and then Tyrone Mings.

Given the uncertainty of the goalkeeping situation behind him, it is good to see McCarthy showing some very decent form at the moment.