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Southampton vs. Arsenal: FA Cup – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton is congratulated by team-mate Theo Walcott after his shot is deflected by Gabriel of Arsenal to concede an own goal during Southampton v Arsenal, The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round, on January 23, 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 Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton is congratulated by team-mate Theo Walcott after his shot is deflected by Gabriel of Arsenal to concede an own goal during Southampton v Arsenal, The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round, on January 23, 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 Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Ralph was not joking in stating he would field a strong side for the FA Cup 4th round.  The manager rode his team until the 78th minute when they were totally pinned back, bringing on Dan N’Lundulu to hold the ball up.  Only used Shane Long additionally to spell Ings, and you have to question if this team is going to have the legs to repeat on Tuesday?

Fraser Forster, Goalkeeper – 9

It was nice to see him get the start, seemingly telling us the FA Cup fixtures are his.  Played the entire first half with his feet and looked comfortable doing so.  First save he had to make was in the 66th minute and he got low with his left foot to block it.  Nearly assisted Danny Ings on a direct ball over the Arsenal back line, and stood firm for yet another shutout as the deputy goalkeeper.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 7

Just missed Che Adams with his first cross, setting the tone for his tactical approach to the match.  A bursting overlap and a cross that hit an Arsenal defender was the rest of his attacking highlight reel.  Bertrand earned a yellow on a very tired tackle outside the penalty area in the 85th minute which reminded us all he is not an option on Tuesday.  Big defensive play was a late cover that could go unnoticed by the untrained eye, but it saved a sure goal.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 8

It was hard to find him in the first half, but that was a good thing.  Got beat on a little 1-2 before the hour mark which led to Arsenal’s best chance, but Bednarek bailed him out.  Very hard to find anything else of note in quiet performance and yet another clean sheet.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

A block in the 35th minute was his first contribution of significance.  A sliding interception in the 39th minute was his biggest.  Saved his partner who was beat for quickness in the second half as the Polish Maldini yet again performed at the highest level.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 8

A matchup with his predecessor Cedric on his weaker left-side really suited Southampton.  Walker-Peters would make his first contribution with a low driven cross toward Che Adams, thankfully deflected in by Arsenal defender Gabriel.  Was underutilized in the attack otherwise in comparison to this season’s workload, but another professional performance.