Watford 0-1 Southampton: Three key performers from big Saints win

WATFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road on October 30, 2021 in Watford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

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Alex McCarthy of Southampton (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) /

Alex McCarthy

There has been a constant debate about who should be wearing the number one shirt for Southampton and Fraser Forster staked his claim against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a series of excellent saves. The current incumbent Alex McCarthy responded today with a confident performance on a rainy afternoon in Hertfordshire.

He pulled off a stunning save late on to maintain a slender lead but what was really impressive about McCarthy was his willingness to claim crosses and cut out an aerial threat from the Hornets. His distribution, often a source of irritation for the Southampton faithful, was calm and generally speaking, accurate.

There have been murmurings about a contract extension, which have been met with a distinct lack of enthusiasm from certain quarters on social media. However, with four clean sheets to date this campaign (in only ten appearances), is it time to be giving more respect to the Southampton shot stopper? Based on this performance, the answer has to be yes.