Southampton 1-0 Villa: Saints Player Ratings as Romeu, KWP impress
By Marc Walker
Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8
His first-half line-up worked a treat but soon lost control to a rejuvenated Villa after half-time.
It was great to see a tactical switch that perhaps
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 7
Some important if routine saves to help retain another clean sheet. Distribution not too pretty on occasion, but has had a solid start to the season and will grow as part of this defensive group.
Good awareness off his line when he needed to clear danger.
Tino Livramento, Right-Back – 7
Not able to push forward and has as much of an effect as usual but he stuck to his task well against El Ghazi, who was clearly given the job of trying to unsettle the 18-year-old in some way.
Did have space to play into once moved to a wing-back role but Saints did not use his flank enough in the second period.
Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 7
A couple of moments where a lack of communication was clear with Salisu and McCarthy but held firm as part of a defensive line that actually gave Villa very little to work with throughout the 90 minutes.
Mohammed Salisu, Centre-Back – 7
Another calm and composed display with clearances and blocks when required and advances forward with the ball when needed.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Left-Back – 9
Always an attacking outlet on the left and gave Villa full-back Matty Cash a torrid time with constant overlaps of Elyounoussi.
Given that he is always cutting inside when positioned on the left, he may have to work in some shots into his own game when the opportunity arises.