Player ratings as Southampton continue to falter ahead of play-offs

Tyrese Campbell gave the away side a deserved lead before Ryan Fraser and David Brooks saw efforts saved.

Saints were able to get themselves in dangerous positions, usually through Sam Edozie's effort, but were unable to reply to Stoke's first-half strike.

Here is how we rated every Southampton player's performance at St Mary's...

Alex McCarthy - 7.

Looked reckless with the ball at his feet in the early stages. The ball went between his legs for the winner, but he had little support. Produced two excellent saves to keep the score down in the second half.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 6.

Kept his place despite a poor showing at Leicester in midweek. Made a good run to the byline but lacked the final ball. Smashed over the bar when he could have played to Sam Edozie.

Kyle Walker-Peters (Image: Stuart Martin)

Jack Stephens - 6.

Came into the starting lineup as Jan Bednarek was given a rest in the first half. Made a brilliant block with his face before sliding in to prevent the follow-up. Dived in to block Campbell from scoring a second.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 5.

Did not look at his assured self when passing out from the back. Was beaten easily by Campbell, who he had tried to stand up, for the goal. Hooked at half-time.

James Bree - 5.

Made a good early defensive intervention. Left a lot to be desired with his passing and crossing. Failed to beat the first man with one of his corners.

Shea Charles - 5.

Kept his place in the starting XI as Flynn Downes returned to the bench. Had very little influence on the first half before being replaced by Joe Aribo.

Will Smallbone - 5.

The only midfielder who completed a full 90 minutes of football. Ran out of space when teed up in the box. Part of a midfield who failed to wrestle control of the tie.

David Brooks - 5.

Started in midfield following injuries to Stuart Armstrong and Joe Rothwell. Was a bright spark but his final pass let him down too often. Stung the palms of Daniel Iversen with an edge-of-the-box effort. 

Sam Edozie - 7.

Full of energy in the forward areas. Caused problems with his pace and created five chances - the most in the game. A victim of a lack of support at times. Should have won a penalty when he was fouled in the box.

Ryan Fraser - 6.

Started on the wing but failed to strike up a good relationship with Bree behind him. Should have scored when he got on the end of Edozie's cross, but aimed at the keeper.

Sekou Mara - 4.

Denied a penalty when he was wiped out by Iversen having won the initial header. Failed to make anything stick or bring his teammates into the game. Made some poor decisions in the final third. 

Sekou Mara (Image: Stuart Martin)

Substitutes

Jan Bednarek - 6.

Came on to replace Harwood-Bellis at half-time. Made a great slide tackle to stop a second for Stoke and spark a counterattack, which led to Mara firing wide.

Joe Aribo - 6.

Also introduced at half-time, coming on to replace Charles in midfield. Tried to help Southampton play forward but didn't create any chances.

Che Adams - 6.

Offered more of a presence up front and tried to bring his teammates into the game. Had to drop really deep to receive the ball, leaving Saints with nothing upfront.

Flynn Downes - 7.

Added a level of control to the midfield when introduced. Drove past opponents and was quick to the ball. Played his role in creating a chance which A Armstrong missed.

Adam Armstrong - 5.

Only came on with 10 regular minutes to go. Spurned his only effort after coming on.