Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton vs. West Ham: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Said Benrahma of West Ham United takes a shot under pressure from Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Southampton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Said Benrahma of West Ham United takes a shot under pressure from Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Southampton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Ryan Fredericks of West Ham United heads tamely towards Alex McCarthy of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ryan Fredericks of West Ham United heads tamely towards Alex McCarthy of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 6

His absence on the touchline was undoubtedly felt, but you know he could still be heard from wherever he was viewing the match.  Saw what we all saw in Che Adams’ ineffectiveness and pulled the plug early.  Brought on Stuart Armstrong at the right time, but clearly has no confidence in his bench.  This game may have been better suited for young risk-takers and that is just what Ralph needs to do, take a risk.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper  – 9

Forced to play with his feet for most the match with a few chances to catch from poor West Ham set pieces.  Not sure he even got dirt on his kit until he had to make a massive save on Benrahma.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 5

So much freedom in the first half as he drifted into a number of different positions with West Ham looking leggy.  Unfortunately his three forward runs and first cross created no opportunities for his attack.  Earned a yellow in the 40th with a poor 1v1 tackle, putting pressure on the team to defend a set piece.  Big moment of coverage on Soucek as the last defender in the 73rd minute was his clinical contribution.  The team needed a big game out of his position and looking back now, this would have been a prime spot for Jake Voikins.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 9

Very sound first half with only a few moments where he was put under pressure.  Tried to handle direct passes with one of top quality to KWP.  Decent 1v1 defending, most notably a late tackle with Bowen running at him.  Cannot pinpoint a mistake and deserves massive credit for his performance in two clean sheets.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

His press while denying the West Ham attack to turn was so effective in keeping the ball in the opponents’ half.  Really good in coverage, particularly interceptions in and around his box.  He’s a rock in Hasenhuttl’s team.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 8

Showed his awareness in exploiting an opposing out of position finding Walcott down the right side.  This game needed him to add an attacker from his position and he finally had a strike in the 70th minute.  His read on a 79th minute West Ham chance was of the highest quality, resulting in a block on a Cresswell cross.