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Southampton vs Shrewsbury Town: FA Cup – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Harry Chapman of Shrewsbury Town and Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Shrewsbury Town on January 19, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Harry Chapman of Shrewsbury Town and Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Shrewsbury Town on January 19, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s Irish striker Shane Long (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s Irish striker Shane Long (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Southampton overcame a spirited Shrewsbury Town, winning 2-0 at St. Mary’s and sending the Saints through to the FA Cup 4th Round.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has had quite the experience managing his side over the last few weeks and today was no different.  Hasenhuttl made 7 changes to the team who lost to Leicester while handing big opportunities to Kegs Chauke and Caleb Watts.  Dan N’Lundulu was expected to start and deservedly went the distance for his performance.  The senior players were the ones who truly stood out from the get-go, but it was really nice to see a bit of the future as the team progresses in the cup.

Ibrahima Diallo was involved from the onset as he and James Ward-Prowse dictated the entire match.  The pairing had a few uncharacteristic mishaps, one leading to a Shrewsbury break, but otherwise they were absolutely stellar.  Having professional centre-backs sitting behind you is always comfortable and Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek played their parts well.  Fraser Forster was pretty much as good as you can get in a match against League 1 competition and the shutout is attributed to the play of these five Saints.

Dan N’Lundulu took his goal very well and one can imagine every single Southampton fan was happy for the player.  He proved a relentless worker even though his short game didn’t always come out the way he had planned.  There is a rawness to his game and he may not have everyone convinced, but with this performance it is realistic to believe he has overtaken Shane Long.

Southampton are through to the next round of the FA Cup and are now on schedule to see Arsenal twice in four days.  Ralph has already stated he plans to send his strongest side to face the Gunners, but it’s anyone’s guess what that means.  It was fun taking a look at the youngsters tonight while mixing in with the seniors and here are the player ratings for the Saints win over Shrewsbury Town.