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Southampton vs. Chelsea FC: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Mohammed Salisu of Southampton controls the ball under pressure from Timo Werner of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on February 20, 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 Neil Hall - Pool/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Mohammed Salisu of Southampton controls the ball under pressure from Timo Werner of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on February 20, 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 Neil Hall - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu (L) vies with Chelsea’s English defender Reece James
Southampton’s Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu (L) vies with Chelsea’s English defender Reece James /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Forced to change his shape with Armstrong and KWP out, showing some willingness to adapt.  The three centre-backs were successful, but time will tell if it is sustainable removing a midfielder.  Left Adams on the bench again as Redmond is a preferred striker, likely due to his pace in pressing.  It ended up paying off today as Redmond was progressive in his role.

Minamino acquisition is clearing making amends for the loss of Walcott and he finally saw his team earn a point.  For holding steady with the 4-2-2-2 for so long, this hybrid formation was a breath of fresh air in the fact that he finally displayed tactics which best suited his personnel in the present.  Still doesn’t know how to substitute.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 7

As much possession as Chelsea had he was untested for the first hour.  Maybe you can count the Zouma header, but McCarthy saw it the whole way.

Beaten for a second time in two matches on a penalty, and Mount’s was not in a corner, McCarthy just chose the wrong way.  Probably got a confidence boost from maintaining the number one and not taking a loss, as he is still a keeper in good form when mentally strong.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Wing-Back – 6

This was the most unadventurous wing-back role you will ever see.  He sat in for most of the game, only coming forward to press passes down the wing.  Did make one run late on, but his cross into the box was blocked.  His seniority and game management is so important against the big 6 teams and he used all his cheeky tricks today.

Mohammed Salisu, Centre-Back – 8

A very strong full PL debut as he flashed power and pace.  He plays with extreme confidence and that attitude is likely going to push him into a weekly role.  The timing of his press when Chelsea attempted to break the midfield line was so important to the team.

A sign he is strong in reading the match in front of him.  Needs to speed up his passing when there is no pressure applied and his floated diaganols are no help to our petite striking crew, but what a match from the 21 year old!

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 7

The centre of the back three, the Dane was fairly conservative with his passing.  More no nonsense clearances than Ralph would like, but the team looked uncomfortable playing out of the back.  His header off the bar was real quality because it was deflected en route.  Would have liked to see a diaganol pinged toward Minamino or Djenepo, but opportunities were few and far between.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 6 

Played a right side centre-back, but sometimes looked like a full blown right back, especially in possession.  Lost Alonso at the far post 5 minutes in (chose to deny Werner instead) which would have surely decided the game.  Beaten my Mount late on the touchline in a worrying moment.  Otherwise played typical defence and adjusted to a fluid back three.

Moussa Djenepo, Right-Wing-Back – 9

At times he slotted in very defensively, and other times the he looked like he was in his natural position in a 4-2-2-2.  Dribbled away possession on too many occasions as the risk-taker within the squad.  Flashed a couple saucy moves though while forcing Alonso into a yellow.

The skill out of pressure in the 80th minute was sensual.  You also have to applaud him for his improved defence, especially his tackling today, which was excellent at points.  Best match in a Saints’ kit and MOTM material.