Premier League: Southampton vs Wolves player ratings as Raul Jiminez scores after almost a year to secure a win for Wolves
It was a bland first half as both the teams couldn’t do much with the ball. Both had a few good chances but couldn’t convert them in to something fruitful. Statistically, in the first half, both teams had similar stats whether its possession or shots on target. There was exciting end-to-end football in terms of chances created, but there was nothing else happening.
The second half started with a bit more intensity as both the teams made their intentions clear. Southampton started the half strong and was completely dominating the possession. All of a sudden, Wolves scored against the run of play through a counter attack. It was the individual brilliance of Raul Jiminez that made the difference.
He was calm as he cut past Bednarek and finished with nonchalance. The game assumed normalcy soon after the goal and it was the same story all over again. Wolves got their campaign back on track after having a bad start.
Here are the player ratings:
Southampton
Adam Armstrong (7/10): He consistently found spaces between the defenders and made crucial runs in to the box. He was very active with his passing but couldn’t get the desired end result.
Che Adams (6/10): Adams had a below average performance. He seemed a bit off in a front line that was relentless throughout the match.
Nathan Redmond (7/10): He was good in the time he played, but was not enough to help his team get over the line. He started to fade away in the second half, as he was subbed off.
James Ward-Prowse (7/10): He was great with his passing and vision. He controlled the tempo of the game as Southampton enjoyed a great deal of posession
Oriol Romeu (7/10): The midfield of Southampton did a great job in ensuring that they stay in the game till the last minute and Romeu played an important role in doing that. However, he was not helped by the fact that his team’s finishing was not on point.
Mohamed Elyounoussi (7/10): He was very effective in controlling players like Marcal and Hwang. He did a great job in keeping the possession to help his team create chances.
Kyle Walker-Peters (7/10): He was great with his runs on the left wing, especially during the first half. He was able to build attacks with ease by combining with players like Armstrong and Redmond.
Mohammed Salisu (6/10): He was okay for the most part, but, was unable to fend off Jiminez which led to the goal. He was weak while closing in on Jiminez as the Wolves’ striker got rid of him with ease.
Jan Bednarek (6/10): He too alike Salisu was good for most of the match but his one mistake of attempting a tackle too early cost his team dearly. Being an experienced player, a lot better was expected from him.
Valentine Livramento (7/10): The 18 year old sensation did a mature job of playing according to the situation. He was great in holding the ball and was also tactful defensively.
Alex McCarthy (7/10): There was nothing much to do for him apart from a couple of clearances as no one in the opposition came close to scoring.
Substitutes
Armando Borja (6/10): He was subbed in for Che Adams as the manager hoped for a better attacking option. But, he greatly disappointed his manager. He rarely got on to the ball and for the few times he got it did nothing with it.
Moussa Djenepo (7/10): He was a constant threat to Wolves as he dominated the left wing. He came very close to scoring and also assisting others, but has failed to get the end product.
Shane Long (6/10): He was okay for the little amount of time he was on the pitch. Apart from a couple of chances he got, he was largely absent from the game.
Wolves
Daniel Podence (7/10): He had a great start to the match as he involved himself in every attack in the opening minutes. His passing and vision was on point and he managed to get the better of Southampton’s defense on multiple occasions.
Raul Jiminez (8/10): He was the star of the match. His strength to fend off Salisu and then his composure to cut past Bednarek in the box to score were incredible.
Hee-Chan Hwang (7/10): He was very effective on the left wing as he combined greatly with other forward players. He caused a great deal of problems to the opposition with his clever interplays.
Fernando Marcal (6/10): A lot more was expected from him given that he had a lot of possession. He was unable to make a difference with the ball though he did okay defensively.
Joao Moutinho (6/10): If it was not for Raul Jiminez’s brilliance, the spotlight would’ve been on Wolves’ midfield. Moutinho couldn’t keep up with the high pressure from Southampton as he gave away balls easily.
Leander Dendonker (7/10): Though for most part of the match he had to track back and defend, he did a good job of not losing patience and kept Wolves in the game. His interceptions and tackling were crucial for Wolves.
Nelson Semedo (7/10): He just had another day at the office, running up and down the right wing. His defending was spotless and he also showcased his attacking prowess.
Romain Saiss (7/10): Saiss was exposed initially by Podence and Armstrong, but made a comeback in the later stages of the game as he got back his mojo. He was able to keep off Southampton’s attacks and secured a clean sheet for his team.
Conor Caody (8/10): He was a rock at the back. Southampton were the more aggressive ones, especially in the first half and Coady had to be alert throughout. He did a great job tacking care of the opposition’s attacks.
Maximillian Kilman (7/10): He was a bit sloppy at the start as he gave away ball cheaply. But, he did make a comeback of sorts later in the game.
Jose Sa (7/10): He had a nervy moment in the first half, that might have led to a goal but, he was lucky to escape it. Apart from that, he didn’t put a foot wrong. He was very good in the later part of the game. Also not to forget, he assisted Jiminez for the goal.
Substitutes
Adama Traore (6/10): He came in late in the 71st minute and was mostly left to do the defensive work. It was not a Traore that we’re all used to as he took a lot of time to settle in. He gave away balls cheaply in the midfield.
Ki Hoever: N/A
Ruben Neves: N/A
Aditi Srinivas
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