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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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Southampton’s Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 8

Covered brilliantly to save any rebound from Lacazette’s first minute strike.  Picked out Armstrong perfectly for the first goal.  Tried to play Leno on his 85th minute free kick, but the keeper never moved.  Ran endlessly as always, breaking up Arsenal attacks and maintaining possession in his 300th Premier League performance.

Ibrahima Diallo, Centre-Midfielder – 8

Looks so dangerous with his pace, with real ability to start a break with the ball at his feet.  Bossed the midfield at times, becoming increasingly comfortable as the match wore on.  Swapped out to left-back as Ralph made a progressive change in the 67th minute.  Maybe could have taken better position in the 3rd Arsenal goal.  Never stopped running and created chances very late with most of his teammates spent.

Stuart Armstrong, Attacking-Midfielder – 9

Took his training ground set piece off the half volley perfectly for the opening goal.  Absolutely outclassed Bellerin into a yellow card on the touchline within 20 minutes.  Was as fresh legged as we have seen him for the entirety of the first half.  Faded a bit in the second, but he was a big reason Southampton were in this match.

Theo Walcott, Attacking-Midfielder – 5

First appearance in the match was in the 17th minute and he rushed his opportunity striking it way wide of the mark.  Given the first chance of the second half and pinged it directly at Leno from 18 yards.  Didn’t do enough for the second straight game perhaps suggesting he needs some rest to regain his early season form.