Southampton played out a hard-fought game against Manchester United on Saturday, one where perhaps the better side lost.
The Red Devils overcame the Saints 1-0 at St Mary’s, with Belgian talisman Romelu Lukaku bagging his sixth goal of the season.
After a slow start by the home side, United took the lead after Lukaku met an Ashley Young cross, forcing Saints keeper Fraser Forster to make an outstanding save, before smashing home the rebound.
A rejuvenated Southampton side emerged from the tunnel after the break, as they pegged the visitors back for the majority of the half. Shane Long had a penalty shout turned down, while Oriol Romeu had a header cleared off the line, as somehow Saints failed to find the back of the net.
In a bizarre end to the match, United boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands.
This result means the 20-time champions’ unbeaten start to the campaign continues, while Saints will be ruing their missed opportunities.
There were plenty of positives to take from Southampton’s display. Here are the three Saints who I thought stood out.
Mario Lemina
Mario Lemina’s impressive start to life at St Mary’s continued, as an assured performance against United failed to get the deserving result.
The Gabon international constantly pulled the strings in midfield, and was the creator of so many Saints attacks, as well as putting in some crucial, well-timed tackles in defence.
There were also signs of flair from Lemina, as he used some skilfull tricks to outwit and get away from his opponents.
The 26 year-old already looks like a superb signing for Saints, with supporters hoping for more performances like this is the future.
Wesley Hoedt
Confident Dutchman Wesley Hoedt proved that he has what it takes to perform in the Premier League, with another solid performance against United.
The centre-back stifled several attacks from the visitors, whilst constantly winning aerial duels against the likes of Lukaku and Marcus Rashford.
He also made some key blocks, that kept Saints in the game. Overall, it was a very good appearance for Hoedt.
Shane Long
Despite him not finding the back of the net in recent games, Shane Long undoubtedly gives his all on the pitch.
The Irishman kept the United defence on their toes, and was unlucky on several occasions. He should have perhaps been awarded a penalty when he appeared to be tripped by Phil Jones in the box, but Craig Pawson dsimissed the appeal.
Long scares the life out of defenders with his blistering pace, and he certainly kept Jones and Eric Bailly working all afternoon.
It was a great performance, with Long deserving much more than he got.
