Southampton 0-1 Wolves: Premier League – Player Ratings
By Erik Franzo
Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 6
Has enhanced his team’s tactical awareness, but is missing the finishing product. Possession in the attacking third is a major weakness, but creating chances without the ball is an A+. A little composure will go a long way with Ralph’s squad. Immediate changes were made after the Wolves goal. It’s also hard to say he got the team sheet wrong. Seeing him sulk on the bench down the stretch is a worrying sight (this is where he is docked the most points) and not one you want to see in a team leader. Ralph will get hammered for bringing on Long over Tella, one the #RalphOut crew will likely cite for some time. Still, how do you fault him for putting his team in position to win and they don’t show up?
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 6
Opening save less than 40 seconds in was strong. Needed to do very little after that. Was not central on the Jimenez goal, making it even easier for the striker to slot it to his right. Distribution was middling, but he had so few opportunities.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Left-Back – 7
Heavily involved in early Saints’ attacks, but the better of his opportunities fell to his left side. Defended extremely well, aggressive in starting a number of counters, but always ended up predictably cutting to his right side. It is nerve-racking to say, but he appeared more motivated than our front 4 in creating chances on goal. Broke into the Wolves box so many times and deserves credit for his all-around effort.
Mohammed Salisu, Centre-Back – 7
Physical presence on Jimenez from the start. A couple of sloppy and softly hit passes aside, he is our star player. Makes the team cook and has all the confidence. Even found himself forward on the left wing, nearly setting up a game-tieing goal.
Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 6
Extremely sound first half. Organized and safe with his passing. Wondering if we will ever see the diaganol to KWP. Beaten by Jimenez 1v1 for the goal, and that is what most will remember. You can’t crush his rating solely on one game-turning error. Found himself way too far forward in the end, but won a few key headers his teammates couldn’t read.
Tino Livramento, Right-Back – 7
Elyounoussi dominated his side in the early going, taking Tino out of the attack. Something changes in the second half and he was able to drive forward. Livramento did offer a couple decent moments of service to the near post, but there never seems to be anyone on the end of it. Works his absolute tail off on both sides of the ball and we must hope Ralph isn’t running the treads off his tires.