Southampton player ratings as Downes controls the midfield at Stoke

 

Tuesday night against Stoke City, STUART Armstrong’s stunning free kick gave Saints the victory by a score of 1-0.

Following a run of four straight league losses, Russell Martin’s team has recently won back-to-back games.

Here is how each Southampton player fared in the team’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City.

Gavin Bazunu – 7.

early on appeared unsteady. early on in the game, became better. a Stoke attempt that was deflected from close range was stopped well. took his time with the ball and brought calm to the defense.

Kyle Walker-Peters – 8.

made a crucial save to prevent Lowe, a rookie player, from scoring while he was in a scoring position. complemented Adam Armstrong quite nicely. as dangerous as ever when moving forward.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 8.

exhibited his greatest work while wearing a Southampton jersey. appears to be settling down with the more seasoned Jan Bednarek. No defects to mention.

Jan Bednarek – 7

had a solid defensive showing in the opening frame when Southampton was under siege. You were fortunate to escape with a penalty for grabbing Nathan Lowe. He was exceptional aside from it.

Ryan Manning – 6.

made a crucial defensive play to thwart a Stoke opportunity as the hosts made a strong start. Manning had by far the most touches (65) of any player in the first half.

 – 8

A performance in the Downes mold. Except for his altercation with Johnson, he didn’t stick out, which is exactly what you want from your holding midfielder.

Will Smallbone – 7.

Booed early on by his former supporters. Did well to track back and marshal out a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Stuart Armstrong – 8.

Misplaced a number of passes during a shaky start to the first half. Won a free-kick on the edge of the box before stepping forward to put Saints ahead with a sensational effort.

Charly Alcaraz – 7.

Stayed in the side despite Martin’s mention of rotation. Looked increasingly tired as the first half progressed – likely as a result of his lack of minutes recently. Blocked the goalkeeper’s view for Armstrong’s goal.

Adam Armstrong – 8.

Had an early low shot saved by Mark Travers, but the referee didn’t award a corner, much to Armstrong’s surprise. Led as a captain by working relentlessly off the ball.

Kamaldeen Sulemana – 6.

Kept his place in the starting lineup after his starring role against Leeds. Wasn’t as impactful in the first half as he was against Leeds United. Could have scored, but for a good save from Travers. Replaced by Fraser on 70 minutes.

Substitutions

Sekou Mara – 6.

Making his first appearance since the Ipswich defeat. Committed a foul almost immediately after coming on. Smashed a shot wide having been played in by Joe Aribo.

Ryan Fraser – 6.

Brought on with 20 minutes of regular time remaining to help close out the game while providing a threat on the break. Brilliant running to help create the above-mentioned Mara chance.

Joe Aribo – 6.

Played in Mara, who should have done better with his shot. Should have been played in by Smallbone, but the Irish midfielder opted to shoot.

Shea Charles – N/A.

Introduced late on to help add steel to the midfield as Stoke piled bodies forward for an equaliser.

Mason Holgate – N/A.

Brought on in injury time. Helped Southampton hold onto the win.