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Brighton and Hove Albion vs Southampton: Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Danny Ings of Southampton (L) celebrates after scoring their sides second goal from the penalty spot with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton (C) and Nathan Redmond of Southampton (R) during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton at American Express Community Stadium on December 07, 2020 in Brighton, England. A limited number of fans (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Gareth Fuller - Pool/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Danny Ings of Southampton (L) celebrates after scoring their sides second goal from the penalty spot with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton (C) and Nathan Redmond of Southampton (R) during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton at American Express Community Stadium on December 07, 2020 in Brighton, England. A limited number of fans (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Gareth Fuller - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (R) (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (R) (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 9

Went with his trusted eleven with his team near full fitness.  Saw enough of Djenepo to make a well-received switch at the start of the second half.  Introduced Ings at first opportunity and went earlier than usual in relieving a winger in the 69th minute.  Did not use his final sub despite Stuart Armstrong nearly falling over from exhaustion, but his team is getting better every week and sitting in the top 5!

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 9

The shot-stopper’s first real action in the game was facing Gross at the penalty spot and the German won the battle.  Distribution and decision making continues to improve as he made few if any mistakes on the evening.  An excellent catch in a crowded penalty area from a corner in the 85th minute was his highlight of the night.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 7

Was his typical, professional self for most of the match.  If we are critical, could have done better with his crossing opportunities, although he timed his runs exceptionally to create chances.

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 10

Made a couple nice plays stepping up to intercept passes early on.  Added a quality interception in recovery in what ended up being a stout first half performance, the goal being the icing on the cake.  Played a beautiful reverse pass to Walker-Peters leading to the Saints’ penalty.  Wriggled his way out of pressure in possession more than once and kept his composure with the match winding down.  This was an incredible all-around match from Vestergaard.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 8

Fresh off a new contract, the Polish Maldini came to play.  Made one of the best defensive 1v2 plays you will see in a 6th minute Seagulls attack.  His miscue earned Romeu his yellow, but he is turning out to be one of the best Southampton signings in the last 10 years.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 8

Per usual, involved early as Southampton pushed down the right flank.  Looked the best option to get forward throughout the first half, especially dangerous with the ball.  Got caught in possession twice late, but neither were his fault, it was lack of movement around him.  Tried to connect with Che down the channel, but it never really came off.