Still on a high from beating former league leaders Everton, Southampton went on to produce an inspired performance against Aston Villa. With four goals to their name, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were able to bank all three points, despite a nervy dip towards the end looking to spell trouble.
Villa came back fighting and scored three of their own, but it wasn’t enough to pull level and force a draw. The Saints are now fourth in the Premier League table, level on points with Everton and just three behind new leaders Liverpool.
Captain James Ward-Prowse put in a stellar performance for his side to ensure they continued their winning streak. Two goals and an assist handed him the Man of the Match award, but another player also worked his socks off and went slightly unnoticed.
Jannik Vestergaard vs Aston Villa
For a man whose future was somewhat of a grey area during the summer transfer window, Jannik Vestergaard couldn’t be making it clearer where his allegiance lies. The Denmark international is proving to be undroppable with his recent displays, particularly against Villa.
Along with his opening goal, the 28-year-old made an impressive nine clearances across the backline and won four of his six attempted duels. He made an additional tackle and interception, which doesn’t do his defensive performance justice as he stood strong at the back (via Sofascore).
Hasenhuttl has outlined the trust he has in Vestergaard following the decision from both parties to keep him at the club rather than see him move on. Similarly, he has received praise from the manager for his confidence in defence.
The Austrian described his £60,ooo-per-week defender as a “fantastic” player who he believes “has the right mindset” to move forward with the club (via Daily Echo).
Indeed, Vestergaard has proven himself to Hasenhuttl after being left on the bench against Spurs in the second game of the season. Since then, he hasn’t missed a game and has proven to be untouchable in the starting lineup.
In other news, Southampton drop potential hint over Theo Walcott future…