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Southampton vs. Brighton & Hove Albion: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Leandro Trossard of Brighton & Hove Albion shoots past Fraser Forster of Southampton to score his team's 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion at St Mary's Stadium on March 14, 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 Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Leandro Trossard of Brighton & Hove Albion shoots past Fraser Forster of Southampton to score his team's 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion at St Mary's Stadium on March 14, 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 Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s English defender Ryan Bertrand (Photo by ANDREW COULDRIDGE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English defender Ryan Bertrand (Photo by ANDREW COULDRIDGE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Manager Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 4

Went with his strongest team playing everyone in position.  Made earlier subs than usual to try and change the match, but man were they ineffective.  Was 100% out-managed by Graham Potter’s press as his team routinely gave away cheap possession and took nothing in transition.  Chose to ride his players midweek and paid the price here.  Continues to play one way or the highway and we are on a long road trip!

Fraser Forster, Goalkeeper – 6

A fluid goalkeeping competition is decided by who plays the big games, and today was bigger than Manchester City.  Tested first in the 15th minute, but a big paw deflected the Maupay shot wide.  Painfully slow feet on ensuing corner from a 12 yard Lewis Dunk header to concede.  Massive leg save on the 42nd minute Gross sitter which should have put Saints behind.  Almost got his hand to the winner, but can’t fault him there.  Distribution was poor today, especially with a lot of possession.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 4

Afforded plenty of space in the early going as he and KWP played very high in attacking half possession.  Didn’t do enough to block of the Dunk run leading to the opener.  Revived himself with a header toward the back post on a recycled corner, assisting the Adams’ equaliser.  Never looked like he knew what he wanted to do in possession, but could have been a lack of options, as he continues to be thrust into the side with a lack of options.  Part of this has to be blamed on fatigue level, but wow, he offered nothing today.  The assist will make it look slightly better, but Saints rely on the outside defenders creating in attack and there was nothing from his side worthwhile.

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 7

Looked long three times in the first 10 minutes, and one effort nearly resulted in a goal.  Big with his head in the opening 45 as his aerial presence took the sting out of multiple opposing attacks.  Dropped too deep on the winning goal, but that’s because his partner abandoned him.  Has to play with Bertrand jogging around the pitch on his side and did well considering.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 4

Massive block on a run of offside play got his blood flowing.  Hit a JVesque diaganol which just missed KWP, but shows he is developing this tool.  Huge bit of defending when Welbeck wrong-sided him in the 34th minute.  Took a chance at midfield and missed Dan Burn allowing a 42nd minute sitter which Forster bailed out.  Where was he on the second goal?  Seriously, what was he doing that far out of the back line?  He pressed so high out of his line leaving holes at the back all game while playing slow and flat passes with his partner.  This was a poor game with a massive mistake and that is worrying.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 6

Was the early outlet in behind the Brighton back line as a clear mismatch to Dan Burn.  Stuck in possession against the touchline with no way out was a constant problem.  Never threatened in the second half outside of his dive in the box for a late penalty.  Looked like he was playing with a slight injury, or favouring one, which is scary.