AFC Bournemouth vs. Southampton: FA Cup

AFC Bournemouth vs. Southampton: FA Cup – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo | Mar 20, 2021

Southampton's Malian midfielder Moussa Djenepo (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the English FA Cup quarter final football match between Bournemouth and Southampton at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on March 20, 2021. - 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 Glyn KIRK / 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. / 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 GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Southampton’s Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong (L) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 8

Looked to cut open Bournemouth with some long passing, but were often ill-timed an inaccurate. Takes up a higher position than Diallo and his press was perfect in creating the opportunity for the third goal. It was an easy game for the midfield pair and Ward-Prowse continues to defy humanity in his ability to play 90 minutes without rest.

Ibrahima Diallo, Centre-Midfielder – 8

A very calm presence in the centre of the pitch. Covers for Ward-Prowse with expert positioning anytime his partner is caught out. Three opportunities to shoot and none were close, so we found an area that needs development. Showed again he is so good turning out of pressure as he looks a strong addition to the club and the midfield.

Stuart Armstrong, Attacking-Midfielder – 9

Three or four opening drives masterminded and one should have been scored. His pullback to Bertrand probably the best of the bunch, but give it to Saints to set up a defender on the wrong foot. Killed Che’s goal with a poor run offside, but setup a third with an excellent left-footed strike off the post. Armstrong is getting better and better at arriving in scoring position at the right moment, and this development is fun to see in an experienced player. Deserved a Redmond finish on a 50 yard run in the 75th minute. Deserved a goal, and a substitution for all his running. Best player on the pitch today and it wasn’t even close.

Moussa Djenepo, Attacking-Midfielder – 6

Spent most of the opening 30 on the floor. Potentially incapable of playing simple to the disappointment of his teammates. The adjustment of his run to the dribbling of Redmond was excellent while almost falling over before finishing the Saints’ opener. Couldn’t sort the ball out from under his feet on a number of occasions today, but fortunately there was enough space for him to get away with it. The goal will do him wonders, but the overall performance showed too much of the lone wolf we know he is.