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Fulham vs. Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

Southampton's French midfielder Ibrahima Diallo vies with Fulham's English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (L) during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage in London on December 26, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / 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 ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's French midfielder Ibrahima Diallo vies with Fulham's English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (L) during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage in London on December 26, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / 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 ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Ademola Lookman of Fulham holds of Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ademola Lookman of Fulham holds of Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Chose seniority over youth despite giving Diallo his debut.  Tactically bypassed the midfield in possession for the first 25 minutes, telling his team to play long and direct.  Celebrated prematurely on field twice with disallowed goals and many will question why he left his subs so late?  When are we going to stop and realize this the norm, especially in tight games.  Go with who he trusts, adjust the gameplay to the personnel and allow the players on the pitch who are in the flow to determine the fate.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 9

Takes up better positions week after week.  Distribution with his feet was excellent with two brilliant 40 yard passes.  Handled corners very well.  Wasn’t overly tested by the Fulham attack, but he was rock solid today and his consistent presence can’t be overlooked.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 8

Two first half crosses created Saints’ best chances, but no runs made it to the near post.  Extremely valuable in managing this tight competition.  Played with heart and pride today and fans should be backing a contract extension if they are not already.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

Maybe got away with an early handball in his own box.  Did well to cut out crosses from the left side.  Covered nicely for one or two Stephens’ missteps.  Not sure he did anything wrong today and was a big part of the clean sheet.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 8

Earned the start over Salisu in place of an injured Vestergaard.  Something must be said for Stephens’ continued self-motivation despite losing his starting place.  Involved early defensively, primarily with his head with one or two key interceptions.  Filled in admirably for Vestergaard and likely earned another start on Tuesday.  Flung himself at the ball for a block before the final whistle and added some grit to the Saints’ defence.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 9

Excellent in dealing with Robinson and Lookman in the first half, because they were a handful.  Was marginally involved going forward until the 60th minute and added a couple driving runs. Held his own against strong opponents like Loftus-Cheek.  Once he was added to the attack, Southampton looked more dangerous.  Feet are cemented as the #1 right back and what a signing he has been.