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Southampton vs. Aston Villa: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Danny Ings of Southampton reacts after his goal is ruled offside during the Premier League match between Southampton and Aston Villa at St Mary's Stadium on January 30, 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 Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Danny Ings of Southampton reacts after his goal is ruled offside during the Premier League match between Southampton and Aston Villa at St Mary's Stadium on January 30, 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 Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa blocks a shot from Jack Stephens of Southampton (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa blocks a shot from Jack Stephens of Southampton (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 6

Moved his pieces around a bit in the same ole’ system.  Big decision was to use Ward-Prowse to defend Grealish instead of providing Yan Valery another opportunity to step up.  Shook the team up even more when Diallo left with injury, adding Djenepo to the mix and trusting Armstrong to slot in centrally.  Moved Djenepo to right back killing his creativity and pushed Walcott to the brink in what looked like the most significant of three injuries within his taxing system.  Brought on want-away Jankewitz, possibly out of necessity, but still a decision to question wholeheartedly.  This match should have fallen our way, but Ralph has some work to do to patch this team together over the next 3 weeks.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 9

Took control of his space with the first Villa set piece.  Was alert and off his line, eyeing the ball overtop to Watkins and Grealish from the get-go.  His first save was a strong left arm on a Watkins strike.  Had nothing to do with the goal against and played neat and tidy in possession.  All-around a solid game after a dud versus Arsenal.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 8

Put in a great cross from the right side after attempting an in-swinging corner.  Armstrong teed him up for a shot around the half hour mark that should have hit target.  Really looked fresh-legged and took up some interesting attacking positions in the second half.  Thought maybe a goal would come from his side, and he worked hard on both ends tonight.  We just hope with no cover at his position he stays healthy and interested the rest of the way.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 8

Earned praise from his manager when he broke the first Villa line centrally.  Had two to cover in the Barkely goal, so hard to blame him.  Made a big block on a Matty Cash cross right before the half.  Really didn’t put a foot wrong in the second half as his team pushed for an equaliser.  Put himself in position to score from a corner, but was denied on the line.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

Some really clean interceptions and clearances under immediate pressure of Villa attackers in the first half.   Defended Watkins really well 1v1 after Southampton had conceded the first goal.  Was a rock all game, but still lacks that decisive passing in possession.  Defensively he performed very well again though and that is his job.

James Ward-Prowse, Right-Back – 6

The captain took the role of defending Jack Grealish for the evening with Yan Valery not trusted by his manager.  His first cross pinged into Ings was absolutely incredible, deserving a finish.  Took a step in the wrong direction, allowing Grealish in behind leading to the first goal.  Missed his set piece opportunity from good position, but swung in some great corners with Bednarek just missing.  Somehow he is the only healthy CM left standing at the moment and we might be boarding the Titanic if he can’t remain fit.