Coventry City 1-2 Southampton: Southampton player ratings as Saints extend unbeaten run to 12 matches

Southampton secured a huge three points at the CBS Arena today to halve the six-point deficit between themselves and Wrexham in sixth place.

Southampton came away from Coventry with all three points in an outstanding away performance, keeping them in the promotion race.

Flynn Downes’ second goal of the season, along with a close-range finish from Kuryu Matsuki, was enough to see off the Sky Blues despite a late rally from Frank Lampard’s side.

Shea Charles conceded a late penalty, which Victor Torp converted in the 90th minute, but Tonda Eckert’s side managed to hold on during a frantic seven-minute spell of additional time.

Southampton lineup: (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeepers and defenders

Goalkeeper – Daniel Peretz: 9/10 – This was arguably the best performance from a Southampton goalkeeper in years. The Israeli keeper commanded his area well and made a world-class save in the first half to deny Liam Kitching.

Right-back – James Bree: 7/10 – Bree stuck to his task well against Ephron Mason-Clark, limiting the Coventry winger to just a few dangerous crosses into the box. Bree’s corner into a dangerous area was bundled in by Matsuki for the winner.

Centre-back – Taylor Harwood-Bellis: 7/10 – Ten clearances in the match speak volumes for his defensive performance. Another good performance in what is turning out to be an outstanding season for the former England international.

Centre-back – Jack Stephens: 7/10 – The captain is proving just about everybody who doubted him wrong at the moment. Like THB, Stephens made ten clearances in the match.

Left-back Ryan Manning: 6/10 – Manning’s passing was wayward today, but his defending was excellent. Nearly found the back of the net with a direct free-kick in the second-half but his effort drifted narrowly wide of the right-hand upright.

Midfielders

Central midfielder – Flynn Downes: 8/10 – Downes won the player of the match award from Sky Sports and ran Daniel Peretz a close second here at Saints Marching. Made every tackle he needed to make. Kept possession well with accurate passing and even popped up to score his team’s first goal.

Central midfielder – Cameron Bragg: 6/10 – Protected the back four well and kept the ball moving in possession. An unspectacular performance but a very important one.

Central midfielder – Caspar Jander: 7/10 – Jander was everywhere today, given freedom in a midfield three with Bragg providing the insurance.

Attackers

Right winger – Kuryu Matsuki: 7/10 – A chalk and cheese display compared with the horror show that he put in at the Hawthorns. Tonda Eckert kept the faith with Matsuki and was proven right when the Japanese attacker stabbed home the winner.

Left winger – Finn Azaz: 7/10 – The Ireland international really put himself about at the CBS arena today, and the difference was notable. There is no mistaking the player’s creativity and skill on the ball. Today, he added visible passion and determination.

Striker – Cyle Larin: 6/10 – Did everything expected of him in a team that has learned how to play off a target man. The Canadian should have put his side ahead early on from close range.

Substitutes

Cameron Archer – 6/10
Shea Charles – 5/10
Nathan Wood – N/A

Player of the match: Daniel Peretz