Southampton 2 Bournemouth 0 player ratings: Steven Davis and Graziano Pelle on target, who was better?

A look at the individual performances at St Mary's

Sunday 01 November 2015 19:08

(2015 Getty Images)

Southampton moved back into the top half of the Premier League table with a routine win over south-coast rivals Bournemouth - despite being reduced to 10 men late on.

The jury is out on whether this fixture should be considered a derby but this 2-0 defeat will still hurt the Cherries, who have now lost four of their last five league games.

Southampton were on the front foot from the off and deservedly took the lead as Steven Davis scored his second goal of the season, with Graziano Pelle soon doubling their advantage before Bournemouth came back into the game after the break.

Victor Wanyama was dismissed with 10 minutes remaining having collected two yellow cards but, despite their dominance and numerical advantage, the visitors could not force a save out of Maarten Stekelenburg until the latter stages.

Here, we take a look at the individual performances...

Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

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1/6Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

SOUTHAMPTON DEFENCE

Maarten Stekelenburg: Very rarely tasked as his backline did most of the hard work for him. One of the easiest afternoons since joining the Saints in the summer. 6

Cedric Soares: A potent threat in attacking areas and prepared to put in a shift at the back, the summer acquisition remains a reliable figure for Ronald Koeman. 7

Jose Fonte: Subbed at half-time – replaced by Maya Yoshida – the Saints man delivered a typically robust display in the opening 45 minutes. 7

Virgil Van Dijk: Seems to have settled into life on the south coast effortlessly and continued his fine start with another settled performance. 7

Ryan Bertrand: Increasingly used as a wing-back, the former England under-21s left-back is a weapon at the heart of Koeman’s armoury. 6

2015 Getty Images

Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

SOUTHAMPTON MIDFIELD

Victor Wanyama: Rock solid for the hosts when called upon, the 24-year-old continues to justify while some major European clubs are looking at his talents. However, spoilt performance with late red card for second booking. 6

Jordy Clasie: Linked with Manchester United before his move to St Mary’s in the summer, the former Feyenoord man is a menace for any side this season. 7

Steven Davis: After finding some luck in front of goal for Northern Ireland, the purple patch of form has been translated into his domestic football. 8

Dusan Tadic: Following a remarkable breakthrough year in English football, the Serbian’s fortunes continue to climb an ever-steepening gradient. 7

2015 Getty Images

Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

SOUTHAMPTON ATTACK

Saido Mané: With lethal pace and pinpoint accuracy, the Saints winger terrorised whichever Bournemouth defender dared approach him down the right flank. 7

Graziano Pelle: No wonder the big clubs are sniffing around Southampton’s Italian striker after this display, epitomised by the endeavour he showed to climb above the Cherries’ defence to head home. 8

OFF THE BENCH: Maya Yoshida: Offered the defensive stability needed to shut Bournemouth out in the second half. 7

Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

BOURNEMOUTH DEFENCE

Adam Federici: Had little to do but pick the ball out of the back of his net. 6

Adam Smith: Endured a rotten first half as the likes of Pelle and Mane ran amok on the flanks but become more authoritative in the second period. 6

Simon Francis: Composed himself after a raucous first half for the hosts threatened to ensure another difficult day for the Cherries’ defence. 6

Sylvain Distin: Caught out all too often with his lack of pace meaning the visitors were often left to mop up any balls the former Portsmouth man failed to clear. 6

Charlie Daniels: Charged forwards in the latter stages to pose an attacking threat to add to his relative solidity at the back. 7

2015 Getty Images

Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

BOURNEMOUTH MIDFIELD

Matt Ritchie: One of the few star performers from the opening weeks to remain fit for the Cherries, Ritchie has the firepower at his disposal to help keep his side up. 7

Dan Gosling: Offered some well-needed top flight experience among a side lacking in just that. Strived to keep the ball, allowing Eddie Howe's men a springboard with which to build upon. 7

Andrew Surman: Showed the determination and guile which helped the Cherries to promotion last season but struggled to offer the cutting-edge required to pierce the Saints' backline. 6

Harry Arter: Continued his return from injury with a performance which oozed Premier League class and self-assurance. 7

2015 Liverpool FC

Southampton vs Bournemouth player ratings

BOURNEMOUTH ATTACK

Danny Pugh: Found himself nullified by the strong and commanding figures Southampton have at their disposal in defence. 6

Glenn Murray: Subbed off after an ineffective first half. 5

OFF THE BENCH: Joshua King: Tried effortlessly to steal – and then keep – possession before powering forward during a scrappy second period. 6

2015 Getty Images

Who was your man of the match? Let us know in the comments below.

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