Southampton succumbed to a demoralising 1-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League on Saturday, 25th February.
The Saints locked horns with fellow relegation-battlers Leeds in Yorkshire this afternoon. They went into the game looking to build on their win against Chelsea last weekend.
However, things did not go according to plan for Southampton as they suffered a 1-0 loss. A second-half goal from Junior Firpo handed Ruben Selles a defeat in his first match as permanent manager.
The result saw the St. Mary’s outfit miss out on the opportunity to possibly move away from the bottom of the table. They are now placed 20th in the standings, four points adrift of the safe zone.
Here are our player ratings for the Southampton players from their 1-0 defeat against Javi Gracia’s men.
Leeds 1-0 Southampton: Player Ratings
Gavin Bazunu (GK) – 5/10 – Did well when called into action. However, should have perhaps done better for Firpo’s goal.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB) – 4/10 – Struggled to contain Wilfried Gnonto, especially in the first half. He might have been relieved when the Italian was taken off, but Leeds continued to have joy down their left flank. Whites left-back Firpo ultimately found the back of the net.
Jan Bednarek (CB) – 5/10 – Was okay for the most part. Had a couple of good moments, but then almost gifted a goal to Leeds with a mistake. Wonder whether he could have done better for Firpo’s goal as well.
Armel Bella-Kotchap (CB) – 6/10 – One of the Saints’ better players of the afternoon. Made three tackles, five interceptions and seven clearances in total. Was booked for dissent though.
Romain Perraud (LB) – 5/10 – Conceded three fouls, while making just two tackles. Was not the best defensively as the stats show, with Brenden Aaronson making his life difficult. Taken off in the second half.
Continued in the next slide…