Despite making a dismal start to their campaign under Mark Hughes, Southampton scripted a resurgence under new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. But the job was not done yet as they needed a win against Wolves to maintain their top-flight existence.
Wolves, on the other hand, have been standout since being promoted last summer. However, they had an afternoon to forget at St Mary’s having been outplayed by the hosts who claimed a 3-1 victory to go eight points clear off the drop zone.
Below are the Southampton players rated in their commanding win against Wolves.
Angus Gunn: 6.5
The young custodian made a routine stop to deny Raul Jimenez in the first half. Was beaten by Willy Boly’s header around the half-hour mark, but the lead was restored by Nathan Redmond moments later.
Jan Bednarek: 7.5
Kept it simple with timely clearances, tackles and interceptions. Was alert and composed while keeping things under control even though Jonny and Diogo Jota were trying to threaten from the wide.
Maya Yoshida: 8
Had a towering presence in the heart of Southampton’s ‘back three’. Also contributed to Shane Long’s goal but got denied by Rui Patricio minutes later from an extremely close range.
Jannik Vestergaard: 7.5
His physical, as well as aerial presence, made it difficult for the visitors to cause menace in the opponent’s box. Was sloppy on one occasion but made a recovery to clear the danger. Blocked many efforts, kept on winning duels, also tried to take the ball out from the deep and build counter-threats with his smart dribbling skills.
Yan Valery: 7
The youngster was energetic yet disciplined down the right flank as he not only tried to contribute upfront with overlapping runs, crosses and key passes but also performed his duties at the back to help his teammates protect the lead. Got replaced by Jack Stephens in the closing minutes.
James Ward-Prowse: 5.5
Was not his best game as the Englishman got dispossessed a couple of times and also lacked accuracy while passing and orchestrating the flow from a central role. Failed to win the duels and his set-pieces were not much effective either.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 7
Had a balanced display in the middle of the park as he mostly concentrated on marshalling the backline when Wolves were chasing an equaliser. Was combative and spot-on with his tackles while breaking down moves in midfield.
Ryan Bertrand: 7
Kept on combining with Redmond from the left flank and did not allow the likes of Matt Doherty and Raul Jimenez to expose the Saints from the wide areas.
Josh Sims: 7.5
Was handed a start and made his mark with an assist for Redmond’s early opener. Missed a few chances to stretch the lead and got replaced by Oriol Romeu around the hour mark.
Nathan Redmond: 9
Scored moments after the kick-off and also restored the lead moments after Boly’s equaliser. His brace helped the hosts secure three massive points from this crucial fixture.
Danny Ings: 7.5
Missed the Liverpool game last week as he was ineligible to face his parent club but came back straight into the starting XI and made an impact by assisting Redmond for his second. Was taken off around the hour mark to be replaced by Shane Long.
Substitutes
Shane Long: 7
Found the net minutes after his introduction and have now scored in back to back games after a long goal drought.
Oriol Romeu: 7
Made things stable in midfield with his physicality and destructive display.
Jack Stephens: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
