Southampton 1-0 Leeds: Player ratings as Saints clinch victory over woeful visitors

Southampton deepened Leeds United's concerns at the bottom end of the table on Saturday afternoon, earning a 1-0 victory over the Whites at St Mary's.

The first half was a fairly tame affair, with the hosts enjoying more of the possession, and creating the better chances. Leeds failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, and Southampton's only regret would have been their inability to beat Illan Meslier.

Nathan Redmond tried his luck early on but couldn't sneak the ball past the Frenchman, while Armando Broja also came close on a couple of occasions. Neither team was able to find the breakthrough however, and they headed into the dressing rooms all square.

The deadlock was broken eight minutes into the second half however, when Southampton pulled off a lightning counter attack, which ended with Redmond picking out Broja in the middle, who scored the first Premier League goal of his career.

Leeds struggled to threaten the Southampton goal, despite being in desperate need of an equaliser, failing to record a single shot on target over the entire 90 minutes, and amassing only three efforts all match.

Marcelo Bielsa's men ran out of wind in the final minutes, and Saints earned their first three points of the season, condemning the visitors to a very concerning defeat.

Let's check out the player ratings.

SOUTHAMPTON PLAYER RATINGS

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Alex McCarthy (GK) - 6/10 - Nothing to do in the first half as Leeds failed to get anywhere near the Southampton goal. Probably didn't imagine he'd have had such a quiet afternoon.

Tino Livramento (RB) - 8/10 - Another superb outing for the youngster. Forced Leeds' wingers to swap flanks in search of some joy, and always offered himself going forward.

Jan Bednarek (CB) - 7/10 - A daunting prospect for a striker who's not particularly combative, and Rodrigo certainly wasn't fancying it. Earned a yellow for a brutal challenge.

Mohammed Salisu (CB) - 8/10 - A really impressive performance from the defender. Looks to have grown to be a Premier League standard centre-back. Didn't give Rodrigo a sniff all afternoon.

Romain Perraud (LB) - 8/10 - Very solid at left-back for Saints, giving Harrison and James little to cheer. An encouraging performance.

2. Midfielders

Moussa Djenepo (RM) - 7/10 - Had a pop at goal, but his effort sailed over the bar. Caused a few problems on that right flank, putting in some dangerous crosses. Played a key role in the build-up to the goal.

Ibrahima Diallo (CM) - 8/10 - A solid presence in the heart of the midfield, dominating the ball and keeping Leeds at arm's length.

Oriol Romeu (CM) - 7/10 - Controlled the midfield battle without having to really stick a foot in and step up the intensity. Kept Leeds' stars in their place.

Mohamed Elyounoussi (LM) - 7/10 - Almost made a connection at the far post but couldn't quite stretch. Made it a tough afternoon for Leeds on that side.

3. Forwards

Armando Broja (ST) - 8/10 - A surprise start ahead of Adam Armstrong. A strapping, physical presence for a 20-year-old. Bagged his first Premier League goal with a ruthless finish - but then picked up an injury in the process. Soldiered on.

Nathan Redmond (ST) - 7/10 - Forced Meslier into a smart save with a decent effort at the near post. A lively performance in the final third, which was only missing a goal. Got the assist early in the second half with some smart composure.

4. Substitutes

Stuart Armstrong (RM) - 7/10

Theo Walcott (LM) - 6/10

Nathan Tella (LM) - N/A

LEEDS UNITED PLAYER RATINGS

5. Goalkeeper & defenders

Illan Meslier (GK) - 6/10 - Pulled off a good save from Redmond, in an opening period with few chances. Little chance with the goal, as his defence let him down.

Jamie Shackleton (RB) - 6/10 - Targeted a bit by Southampton, who viewed him as a weak link in this side. Not a good afternoon, but there were worse performances.

Diego Llorente (CB) - 4/10 - Leeds generally look much better defensively with Llorente at the heart of their backline. Not his best performance however, and was pulled out of position for the opener.

Liam Cooper (CB) - 5/10 - Fell awkwardly and hurt his shoulder, but one of the better displays in a below-par Leeds team. Couldn't stop his side from sinking.

Stuart Dallas (LB) - 5/10 - Shifted into the midfield as Leeds moved to a back three, showing his adaptability to Bielsa's system. Looked a little bit lost, however.

6. Midfielders

Tyler Roberts (CM) - 4/10 - Given a chance to impress from the off, but as with many of his cameos from the bench, he failed to make an impact on the game. Way too anonymous.

Pascal Struijk (CM) - 5/10 - Dropped in to form part of a back three, where he is most comfortable. Almost gifted Southampton a goal with a poor touch. Not good.

Mateusz Klich (CM) - 4/10 - Sloppy in possession, and struggled without the commanding Kalvin Phillips sweeping up next to him. Honestly so bad, and summed up his side's entire performance.

7. Forwards

Daniel James (RW) - 5/10 - Never afforded the chance to stretch his legs and run in behind, and he failed to get beyond his marker and into dangerous positions.

Rodrigo (ST) - 4/10 - An isolated figure, and unable to hold up the ball and provide the impetus which Patrick Bamford usually offers. A pretty miserable outing, and subbed off.

Jack Harrison (LW) - 5/10 - Produced one moment of magic in the second half, but saw his cross cut out. Couldn't really get going.

8. Substitutes

Adam Forshaw (CM) - 6/10

Joe Gelhardt (ST) - 6/10

Crysencio Summerville (RW) - N/A