EPL 2017/18: Southampton 0-1 Manchester United, player ratings
Manchester United put in a dogged display at St. Mary's Stadium to come away with three points as Southampton failed to capitalise on a flurry of chances in the second half.
The visitors quickly got the lead, (and the only goal of the game) courtesy of Romelu Lukaku, who netted his 6th league goal in as many games from close range. After a relatively quieter half following the strike, the home side came out all guns blazing after the restart, creating a number of chances which they could not convert.
Here are the player ratings:
Southampton
Fraser Forster - 6.5/10
Fair play to Forster, he made a terrific instinctive save from Lukaku's header but the rebound fell to the striker again which led to the winner. He was called into action again to deny the Belgian and made another good stop to keep his side in the game.
Cedric Soares - 6.5/10
Soares was solid in the first half and didn't let Rashford go on his usual dazzling runs. His crossing was wasteful at times and faded out later on in the game as most Saints attacks came from the left side.
Wesley Hoedt - 7/10
The youngster was solid and dealt with the United front three for the major part of the game. His clearances helped keep the scoreline to just one goal in the first half but he was still at fault at losing Lukaku for the opener.
Maya Yoshida - 6/10
A silly foul from Yoshida nearly gifted United another goal from a set piece. The Japanese at times couldn't deal with the brute strength of Lukaku.
Ryan Bertrand - 6.5/10
After a relatively quiet first half, as he was largely untroubled on the right flank, Bertrand got involved in a lot of second-half attacks. His linkup with the attackers left much to be desired and often left his side open to counter-attacks.
Mario Lemina - 8/10
Strong and tough in midfield, the Ex-Juventus midfielder had a commanding presence throughout the game. His tackling was impressive and was by far the best Southampton player, with no United player able to stop his bombarding runs.
Oriol Romeu - 6.5/10
Even though his midfield partner stole most of the show, Romeu always found himself in good goal-scoring positions without capitalising it. After missing an absolute sitter in the box and even more subsequent chances, it wasn't going to be the day for the Spaniard.
Dusan Tadic - 7/10
In terms of defensive contributions, Tadic should've prevented Young from putting in the cross which led to the goal. After a luke-warm first half, he had a good second ha;f, creating chances with his deadly crosses. It was all for nought at the end, as his team failed to find the equaliser.
Steven Davis - 6.5/10
Davis was a hardworking engine in the middle of the park, providing the necessary defensive cover and the one-odd attacking threat. However, he couldn't get more involved in the second half to win back a goal for his side.
Nathan Redmond - 7/10
Redmond had a quieter game by his reputation in the first half, barely making any impact from the left side. His passing was sloppy and he couldn't link with Long at all. However, the Englishman improved after the restart, giving Valencia a tough time and testing De Gea with a vicious shot. One of the best Saints players in the second half.
Shane Long - 6/10
Long, in his traditional manner, drew out the centre-backs quiet often from their positions but his final passing was lacking. He lost his cool and got booked by fouling Fellaini. Even after the restart, he could barely convert the good chances which did come his way.
Substitutes
Manolo Gabbiadini - 6/10
The Italian was brought on to get the all-important equaliser but he could barely get involved in the game. His movement was good but there wasn't better service provided his way for the same.
James Ward-Prowse - 6.5/10
His set-piece deliveries were good and created two good chances for the Saints. Maybe more could've been expected had he been brought on earlier.
Charlie Austin - N/A
Barely had any impact on the game.