Hughie hands out his marks
Fabianski: Two or three routine saves but nothing seriously threatening. But Fab please release the ball quicker and set things going please 6
Fredericks: Routine performance but how we missed those surging Coufal runs 5
Ogbonna: Another commanding performance 7+
Dawson: See our Dawson Watch piece at https://www.claretandhugh.info/candh-craig-dawson-watch/?fbclid=IwAR2goPCRmDWhV-VXr0EUMvLVaEkdK7UnXyv70wnnLb6jaXmwxXLwYdr3Tdg
Cresswell: Was given plenty to think about by Walcott – not his finest night 5
Rice: Usual high level performance 7+
Soucek; Excellent performance by and large, breaking things down an setting up a fair bit. Well done that man 7+
Fornals: Pretty anonymous for the most part – once again plenty of energy but no real impact 5
Lanzini: Neat and tidy and desperate to be on the ball – just that serious creative spark missing 6+
Yarmolenko: Worked hard and showed some clever footwork. Languidly classy at times 6+
Haller: Same old same old – thankful to see Mikey appear and show he’s on the way back 4
Subs
Benrahma: Great touches and had a great chance to settle things but top save 6+
Bowen: On late as Saints pressed – little chance to show too much 4
Antonio: Got 15 minutes in and not up to pace as he demonstrated earlier but a 5 just to see him back
Soucek had quite a few crucial interceptions in midfield. Always busy. Dawson looked like a leader of our defensive unit today. A classy performance. Benrahma should start next time around. Plenty of energy at stock. Overall: I liked what I saw, not only from these three boys.
Gonna stick my neck out here: Dawson was my man of the match. Commanding performance. I’ll just get my coat😉
He was solid. Sigh of relief that the centre back can come on and show. Big ask, big response.
If only it had been Seb Haller instead of Benrahma – we would have won.
COYI
4 for Haller is too harsh his link up play wasnt bad.
Yea I thought he put in a decent shift too. We still miss Mikey hopefully he’ll be back starting next game but not rushed if not 100. Still feel was harsh for Johnson who I actually think has been as good if not better at LB then RB in PL. Last game first half wasn’t great but no one was 2nd half looked much better & has pace think him cutting in getting passes to Lanzini & Benrahma & others could pay off.
And yes agree on Dawson considering we where t thinking he wouldn’t of get a sub & hand played in while slotted in well & after 15mins seemed match fit & very good.
Dawson man of the match for me. Cresswell and fornals did well to block any runs from the likes of Walcott and the saints dangerous right wing play. Souchek put his usual maximum effort in. Creative players didn’t really create much against a hard pressing Southampton team but got better as the game went in and Southampton tired. A hard thought well deserved point away from home against a very good team.
I have no argumemt with the Dawson as MOTM suggestions. if not, then it was Tomas. also agree that 4 is harsh on Haller. personal prejudices amongst our fans will neglect to mention when he has played decently. he was offered NOTHING from our midfield really but on the rare occasion the ball came to him he did fairly well, linked up decently, made a couple of interceptions, hassled the backline, won more than enough fouls. not enough for some i’m afraid.
Good performance all round in my opinion and a deserved point. Back 4 coped well enough against Ings and Walcott’s pace but I prefer us playing a 5. I thought the much-maligned Fredericks, Haller and Fornals all did OK. Good use of the squad. I just wish David Moyes had put a few more fresh legs in against Brighton (unfortunatley Mark Noble’s legs will never be fresh enough for the Prem again). I think the starting team v Soton would have beaten the Seagulls.