Southampton ratings as Azaz and Downes seal 2-0 win at Stoke | OneFootball

Southampton earned a 2-0 win at Stoke City, a clean sheet completing a fine afternoon on Tonda Eckert’s 33rd birthday.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Eckert kept the 4-2-3-1 and made two changes, Ross Stewart replacing Adam Armstrong, who reportedly has a knock, and Tom Fellows coming in for Kuryu Matsuki on the right.

After a bright start, Finn Azaz tapped in at the far post following Taylor Harwood-Bellis’s superb low through ball to Fellows, who beat the offside trap and squared across the six-yard box.

Daniel Peretz then preserved the lead with a brilliant first-half stop, before Flynn Downes struck early in the second half to secure the points.

Ratings, goalkeeper and defence, Peretz 7/10, one poor clearance but two excellent saves. James Bree 7 justified his selection ahead of Elias Jelert, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis 7 showcased his range of pass amid transfer talk. Jack Stephens 8 was commanding alongside him, while Welington 7 battled and carried the ball well.

Midfield and attack, Downes 8 excelled at the base and was an unlikely scorer. Caspar Jander 7 pressed higher to good effect. Finn Azaz 8 was tidy and incisive, Tom Fellows 6 created the opener but had limited chances, Léo Scienza 6 spurned two square passes, and Ross Stewart 6 offered aerial threat.

Substitutes, Kuryu Matsuki 6, Shea Charles 6, Nicholas Oyekunle 6, Ryan Manning N/A.

Source: Sainstmarching.com