Southampton vs Arsenal: FA Cup – Three Key Saints Players

Fraser Forster

There was a temptation to include James Ward-Prowse for his tireless running and passing but it is time for some overdue praise for Southampton’s giant shot stopper. Reassimilating Forster back into a successful side, let alone one markedly different from the one he left on loan, was a difficult task but credit is due to both Hasenhuttl and Forster.

Forster has played three times since his return to the fore and in all three matches, he has kept clean sheets. That in itself is an impressive statistic, especially when one considers that his return to first team action was a baptism of fire against reigning champions Liverpool. There have been subtle changes to his game to adopt the way favoured by Hasenhuttl as part of his now legendary playbook.

Whilst Forster will never look as natural on the ball as Alex McCarthy, perhaps in part due to his towering height, he has evidently worked hard on his passing and control over the last few months. There were a couple of misplaced goal-kicks but for the most part, Forster looked comfortable in receiving pass-backs from his defence.

Pleasingly, he was much quicker off his line than many Saints fans might remember, at one point doing well to rush to intercept a probing through ball in confident fashion. In true story telling fashion, Forster saved his best moment until late on, sticking out a foot to deny Eddie Nketiah’s poked finish. He will likely remain the understudy to McCarthy for the time being, but it is reassuring to know that there is a steady presence waiting in the wings.