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Southampton vs. Arsenal: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

Arsenal's Spanish defender Hector Bellerin foouls Southampton's Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on January 26, 2021. (Photo by Naomi Baker / 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 NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish defender Hector Bellerin foouls Southampton's Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on January 26, 2021. (Photo by Naomi Baker / 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 NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal battles for possession with Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal battles for possession with Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 7

Decided to go with his most senior side despite the quick turnaround.  The outside backs were the only questions, but he went with the two youngsters Valery and Vokins who are true to their position.  Tried to change the game with Redmond, but it backfired minutes later.  Pulled the plug on the third goal getting Ings and Walcott off the pitch.  It was the first sign he was willing to rest his players, but maybe a bit concerning that he is losing belief in his players’ long term fitness.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 6

Massive save on Lacazette in the opening minute bailing out Jan Bednarek.  One of his first questionable decisions in some time lead to Saka’s goal.  Almost caught out early in the second half too, diving in for a prodding Arsenal chip.  For not having a lot to do, this was the first match in some time the Southampton number 1 was not at his best.

Jake Vokins, Left-Back – 7

Had time to prepare for this start with Bertrand on suspension.  Took a while to be involved, but in his first attack he put his cross right on Che Adams’ head which Leno was forced to save.  Was in good position to defend Saka’s goal, but the Arsenal player did well to anticipate the opportunity.  Did well to wrestle Lacazette out of a potential penalty.  His good crossing continued in the second half and appears to be a weapon.  Subbed off after an hour plus as the team took a risk and inserted Redmond as they chased the game.  Had to prove to many with this performance Vokins is a solid deputy to Bertrand.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 5

A good block to cut out an Arsenal cross started his contribution, but a poor forward pass started the opponents’ counter leading to their equaliser.  Held the ball too long in possession in the first half and made some passes that asked a lot of his teammates.  Late recovering of the deciding third goal.  Probably feeling his legs like everyone else and deserves a break for an underwhelming performance.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 7

Tried a dangerous pass to open the match and was very fortunate to get away with it.  Built up a lot of fouls pressing high on opponents’ backs.  Did not have to do a ton defensively, but could have done more on the final Arsenal goal.  Wasn’t quite the rock he always was on a rainy night at St. Mary’s.

Yan Valery, Right-Back – 7

Opened his play with a beautiful cross finding Danny Ings head.  The attacking play eventually created the JWP corner and Armstrong’s goal.  Was late to recover into his position to stop the Pepe goal.  Should have scored on his left foot from a great Southampton move in the 27th minute.  Needed to do better on the goal kick which lead to Arsenal’s second goal, playing the ball off his hip into the path of the counter.  Overall played a solid right-back, but there clearly remains a gap between he and Walker-Peters that he may not be able to close.