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Leicester City vs. Southampton – Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

Southampton players reacts after conceding the first goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 16, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira / 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 RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton players reacts after conceding the first goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 16, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira / 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 RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong (Photo by TIM KEETON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong (Photo by TIM KEETON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Southampton made life difficult for Leicester City, but left King Power stadium with an 0-2 loss on Saturday night.

Ralph Hasenhuttl had a number of injuries to deal with, most significantly Danny Ings, who tested positive for COVID-19 and was unable to feature on match day.  Ibrahima Diallo was back next to James Ward-Prowse with Oriol Romeu dealing with a calf, but the biggest surprise was the return of Will Smallbone in an attacking midfielder role.  Smallbone has been on the bench for the previous three Premier League fixtures, but last earned minutes in the 2-5 defeat to Tottenham on the 20th of September.

Southampton had the best of play for the entirety of the first half, but Leicester grabbed the goal.  Che Adams and Theo Walcott linked up expertly with some quick one touch play and Will Smallbone and Stuart Armstrong were firmly involved on the counter.  Ryan Bertrand has the best opportunity of any Saint as James Ward-Prowse put him through, but Kasper Schmeichel was up to the task on his 1v1 strike.

James Maddison scored a quality goal, but Jack Stephens was badly exposed for the first time in his fourth consecutive start.  Maddison turned on Stephens far too easy and with little pace, was able to free himself for a strike into the roof of the net.  Stephens has been very good in recent weeks, but this key moment let his team down when they were clearly ahead otherwise.

Second half chances were sparing for both sides.  Will Smallbone struck a first time shot on goal and Theo Walcott could not react quick enough for the rebound.  Shane Long nearly earned his team a penalty, but was miles offside canceling out the opportunity.  Harvey Barnes put the game away in the final minute of stoppage time, but Leicester probably should have secured three points far earlier.  Alex McCarthy was the reason the Saints remained in the game and overall deserves MOTM.

Here are the player ratings for Southampton in their 0-2 loss to Leicester City F.C.