Southampton vs Manchester City: Three Key Saints Players

Southampton's Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu (C) is booked for this challenge on Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Ferran Torres (R) 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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Theo Walcott of Southampton (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Theo Walcott

For many, this was Walcott’s best game in Southampton shirt in years. He was pacey, direct, aggressive, agile and most of all, persistent against a strong City side. There is more than a touch of the old Walcott back again, the boyish grin belying his intelligence and maturity in possession.

With his goal midweek against Arsenal fresh in his mind, it was evident from moment one that Walcott was in the mood to cause trouble for a City side who have struggled with consistency in recent weeks. Unfortunately the Southampton forward line was unable reach the heights they are capable of but there was no lack of chances created by Walcott.

He has been involved in every game since his return from Everton and whilst some expected him to be rested occasionally or featuring predominantly from the bench, Walcott has confounded his critics with a series of eye catching performances. Dias and Stones did well to contain Adams and Ings but they never looked comfortable against the directness of Walcott’s running.