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Southampton vs Manchester City: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

Southampton's English striker Danny Ings (C) leaves the game after picking up an injury as Southampton's English midfielder Nathan Tella (L) comes on in his place during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 19, 2020. (Photo by Naomi Baker / 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 NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's English striker Danny Ings (C) leaves the game after picking up an injury as Southampton's English midfielder Nathan Tella (L) comes on in his place during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 19, 2020. (Photo by Naomi Baker / 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 NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Nathan Redmond of Southampton (Photo by Adrian Dennis – Pool/Getty Images)
Nathan Redmond of Southampton (Photo by Adrian Dennis – Pool/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Showed no fear in trusting the fitness of his players.  Going to have to answer some questions post match for this with the loss of Danny Ings.  Surprisingly went with Tella to replace Ings and took Djenepo off before the hour.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 9

Comfortable under the pressure of City as Southampton built possession out of the back.  Made a good save before conceding the goal which was not his fault.  Wasn’t really tested until a 77th minute Gündogan effort and did not make a save after.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 8

Gives Djenepo a tough time for nearly every mistake, clearly showing his preferred partnership is the more passive Redmond.  Wanted to get forward and picked his chances, with Romeu just missing him on a late run down the centre.  An important professional performance as always and has been consistent without competition.

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 10

Two perfect diaganols to KWP effectively opened up City.  Won two headers in attacking corners, with one hitting frame.  Defensively he was massive, making tackles in transition and covering players who perceptually have far more pace.  Giving a perfect rating in a loss may be taboo, but other than a pass to a blind Bertrand, what did he do wrong?

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

Compliments Vestergaard so well while presently living in his partner’s shadow.  Did a lot of dirty work ensuring City players heard his footsteps.  His lofted forward passing would benefit from development, but from a defensive standpoint he was strong.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 9

Was excellent in timing his runs for Vestergaard’s direct passing, and his first touch out of the air is silky.  Was the route forward the team and most of the attacking opportunity went through him.  Not to mention he marked Sterling out of the game, but we need to make note he left him for the goal line in what proved to be the game winner.