Southampton vs West Ham: Premier League

Southampton vs West Ham: Premier League – Key Players

By Joe Mcindoe | Dec 30, 2020

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Theo Walcott of Southampton runs with the ball 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 Justin Tallis - Pool/Getty Images) /

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Ryan Fredericks of West Ham United heads tamely towards Alex McCarthy of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Alex McCarthy

At first glance it may seem odd that in a game of so few chances a goalkeeper should be credited as a key player. Over the course of the 90 minutes McCarthy claimed the crosses and positioned himself well.

The Englishman makes the list due to some late heroics. With the game entering its final knockings, Jarrod Bowen puts in what should have been a sedate cross.

The ball deflects off of Ryan Bertrand and then is headed up but not away by Jack Stephens. Former Bradford man Saïd Benrahma picks up possession almost in between Stephens and Oriol Romeu.

Neither player can stop the attacker from firing from close range.

Fortunately, McCarthy is alert to the situation and comes out to face it. The shot stopper slides his body down and pushes the ball away from immediate danger.

With that excellent save Alex claims the second clean sheet in as many games and seven for the season.