Southampton’s under-23 side moved to the top of the Premier League 2 table last night with a 1-0 win over Tottenham at St.Mary’s.
The Saints moved above Everton to take the top spot in the league with their fourth win of the season.
Martin Hunter’s side have won four of their opening six league matches this season, now sitting on 13 points this early in the campaign.
Jack Stephens captained Southampton for the night, and it was his goal that handed the three points to the home side.
Callum Slattery delivered a superb cross into the box from a free-kick and Stephens powered home a header off the bar to give Southampton the lead and, eventually, the win.
There was some controversy at the death, with a player from each side being sent off after a brawl on the touchline.
So, here are our Saints player ratings for last night’s match…
Harry Lewis: 7
He didn’t step a foot wrong all night. Lewis made a couple of fine stops and was confident in coming out and claiming the ball.
Richard Bakary: 5
It was a disappointing performance from Bakary, in truth.
The young fulllback was missing headers, tackles and interceptions. He needs to up his game if he wants to retain his spot in the side.
Jack Stephens: 8
A superb performance from the skipper at the heart of the defence.
He led from the back and did not step a foot wrong as he helped the Saints keep a clean sheet, as well as scoring the winning goal with a thumping header.
Ollie Cook: 7
Very solid performance from Cook at the back. He was commanding in the air and was touch tight to his man at all times.
Sam McQueen: 6
McQueen did not have his best game at left-back, but he was good enough.
I felt he was beat by his man too easily on occasion, which could have cost a goal on another day.
Alfie Jones: 7
It was an impressive performance from Jones, despite the unfamiliar position.
He made a number of crucial tackles and blocks in the holding role as he sweeped up in front of the back four.
Thomas O'Connor: 8
I was very impressed with this young man last night. The Irish midfielder ran the show in the middle of the park for the Saints and certainly made his mark on the game.
His use of the ball and work ethic was superb, helping to win the ball back countless times and then playing a good pass to start an attack.
Callum Slattery: 7
Slattery was bright and skilfull in the attacking role in midfield last night.
He was always looking to pick the ball up in advanced areas to create a chance or score a goal.
It was his sublime cross that created the first goal, as he claimed the assist for Stephens’ header.
Josh Sims: 7
Sims was impressive, as ever, last night. He was constantly seeking the ball and trying to beat his man at every opportunity.
He will be disappointed not to have scored, but it was fine performance.
Olufela Olomola: 6
Although his work-rate was impeccable, the footballing side of his game was not.
He missed a couple of very good chances, and was also unable to make the ball stick up front when the ball was played forward.
This meant Spurs were able to dominate the second half and continue to press the Saints.
Harley Willard: 6
I’ve gone for a six, but it would have been a seven if he had not been sent off.
The sending off was the only sticking point in a good performance from the winger.
Although, it is worth noting that it appeared as though he was booked in the first-half for a foul committed by Alfie Jones – so you could say that the red card was harsh.