Player Ratings – Southampton 3-1 Birmingham City
Rooney’s start at the helm worsens as The Saints prove to be too strong.
Ratings as Stansfield proves another point:
John Ruddy (6) – Went long for the most part. Could do nothing about the three concessions.
Cody Drameh (5) – Sulemana was a tricky customer for the right-back and the loan player didn’t have any answers. Found his movement difficult to cope with him and this led to his unease in possession. Improved after the break especially in the attacking third.
Dion Sanderson (4) – Couldn’t get to grips with Adam Armstrong. His pace and runs inside the away side’s own box meant that the skipper was left chasing his own shadow at points.
Emanuel Aiwu (6) – A courageous debut to say the least. Faced up the Southampton attack challenging for the ball at every opportunity.
Manny Longelo (4) – No answers to Walker-Peters. Got done him by him far too much and was left with overloads on his side which he was helpless in dealing with.
Jordan James (4) – Didn’t emerge from the midfield battle with much credit. Ran around a lot but little say on the ball.
Krystian Bielik (4) – Second best in the midfield battle apart from a brief period of dominance after 2-1.
Ivan Sunjic (5) – Tried to get close in the duels, but his on the ball quality was lacking. Lax when on the ball as well.
Oliver Burke (5) – To his credit, he carried the ball up the pitch quite well. Should’ve had a penalty in the first half.
Siriki Dembele (4) – Didn’t have the help he needed. Forced to do things by himself.
Lukas Jutkiewicz (5) – Held the ball as much as he could, but Southampton’s backline were always on the front foot and first to the ball.
Jay Stansfield (for Siriki Dembele) (6) – Instant impact and showcased his individual brilliance with a great goal.
Gary Gardner (for Krystian Bielik) (5) – Got stuck in and proved to be more combative in the middle of the park.
Scott Hogan (for Oliver Burke) (5) – Played out on the right before moving to his preferred central position. Not much effect.
Marc Roberts (for Emanuel Aiwu) (5) – Lack of awareness as Armstrong peeled behind him for the game sealer.
Koji Miyoshi (for Lukas Jutkiewicz) (5) – Barely saw the ball.
Your marks sums it up and Ruddy should have stopped third goal,his arm was not straight.So Ruiney keeps up his 100% record and a tough couple of fixtures next up .l think he is trying out the whole squad and decide who he is going to ditch.
Longelo should have interceded to stop the head assist for their third goal, but can’t jump!
Some funny selections again, Juke has been a great servant and is a great impact player off the bench, but if you start him it has to be with two up front, to play one you need the energy of Stansfield.
I know people rave about JJ but I am not sure and never have been, I do not see what he contributes over a game. Do not understand why we do not try Burke up top with Stansfield, he’s quick and good in the air.
Bought on Miyoshi but played him wide again, you have to play him in the number 10 role here he great ability to find space and create for others.
Not a great performance again but all you can say is better than Hull, our management need to start playing to our strengths and we need a injection of confidence!!!
I’m concerned about the apparent ‘in-game’ lack of interest from the coaches. They’re stuck in their seats, on their phones and display no animation to show they’re involved. Rooney needs to take his hands out of his pockets and get involved.
Has WR taken players to one side and asked them what position they are best at as he seems to be playing players out of their positions,Sandersons rating proves this. When they played 3 back line he was in control and got good rating