Oh, what a match it was. Looking like the better side for most of the match, Southampton FC were once again haunted by the demons of the past. Having a 1-0 lead minutes into the second half, Southampton would capitulate from a winning position thanks to Hojbjerg. Allowing a 56th-minute goal against the run of play to equalize the scoring, Saints woes would get even worse just 20-minutes later.

Receiving a second yellow card for simulation, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg got his marching orders, sending Saints onto the back foot for the remaining minutes of the match. Despite a solid effort from the remaining ten players, the numbers game eventually proved to be too much as Saints allowed a stoppage-time goal, allowing Leicester City to take a 2-1 victory. Following that dismal result, let’s dive in and take a look at the Southampton Player Ratings.

Player Ratings

Alex McCarthy – 6

Once again a victim, McCarthy turned in another good performance for Southampton. The two goals scored gave him little chance to make the save and his performance otherwise shows that McCarthy may, in fact, be one of the Premier League’s most underrated goalkeepers.

Cedric Soares – 5

It was an error from Cedric that led to the first goal for Leicester City. While the right-back did have an average game otherwise, it was this moment along with others that defined his appearance today. Should these continue, Southampton will be forced to look for a true second option at right back.

Jannik Vestergaard – 7

Replacing Jack Stephens in the starting XI, Jannik Vestergaard showed that he may be Southampton’s best summer signing. Providing stability and good defending at the back, Vestergaard also showed a willingness to get forward and join in on the attack. Overall, it was a good game for the Dane. He has begun to remind me of former Saints centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

Wesley Hoedt – 6

Putting in a much better performance this week, Wesley Hoedt looked like a completely different player against Leicester City. While Hoedt still didn’t play to the level of his centre-back partner, it was a much-improved match this week for the Dutch defender. If he and Vestergaard can keep up their performances, Southampton may truly have a great centre-back pairing on their hands.

Ryan Bertrand – 7

Scoring a goal in his 150th match for Southampton, Ryan Bertrand contributed at both ends of the pitch in this match. While he may have only been average at the back, Bertrand’s screamer was a sight to behold and would likely be up for Saints goal of the season honour’s had the side not capitulated late.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 0

Playing at a pretty below average level for most of the match, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was an absolute embarrassment late on. Performing an extremely horrible looking dive, Hojbjerg received a second yellow for his trouble’s and was sent off in the 77th minute. Because of this, Saints were forced onto the back foot and forced to eventually allow a stoppage-time winner to Leicester. This loss is on you, Pierre. This loss is on you.

Mario Lemina – 7

Pulling the strings for most of the match, Mario Lemina was another player who improved vastly over last week. Making a few keys passes and dictating the action out of central position, Lemina showed just what kind of player he can and should be every week for Saints. The only question that remains is whether or not he wants to play this way on a weekly basis.

Mohamed Elyounoussi – 6

Recording a shot on goal in the first half, Mohamed Elyounoussi’s return to the Southampton lineup was rather dull. While he was involved in the action, Elyounoussi basically floated around the pitch until he was subbed off late in the second half.

Nathan Redmond – 6

More involved this week, Nathan Redmond did try and get Saints on the front foot a couple of times. Turning in an average performance, Redmond needs to start showing the talent many know he possesses. If not, a future as a super sub may be on the cards for the young English winger.

Shane Long – 7

Showing off his speed in the attack a couple times, Shane Long looked like a much better choice for Danny Ings rear gunner. Playing off his attacking partner, Long got involved in the attack a couple times. While not the goal scorer he once was, Long continues to show the pace and off the ball movement that makes defenders fear him.

Danny Ings – 7

While Danny Ings did not manage to find the back of the net in this contest, the Englishman once again showed his creativity in the attack. Registering a couple shots, Ings continues to show that he is Southampton’s best attacking player by a wide margin. Meanwhile, paired with Long, Ings only seemed to perform better, making this attacking pairing one to watch as the campaign unfolds.

Substitutes

Charlie Austin – 6; Oriol Romeu – N/A; Stuart Armstrong – N/A

Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images