Saints suffered their second straight humiliating loss on Friday night as Leicester took advantage of their defensive errors to win 4-1.
Goals from Kasey McAteer and Wilfred Ndidi added to the Foxes lead after Jamie Vardy put them ahead on 21 seconds.
Sam Edozie did manage to notch his second goal of the season midway through the first half in a rare moment of positivity for the home side.
Stephy Mavdidi wrapped up all three points for Leicester in the second half when he raced the length of the pitch without any Saints defenders in position to stop him.
In the last moments of the game, substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana received an unexpected red card, capping off a disastrous evening at St Mary’s.
Here is how each Southampton player fared in their season-opening home loss, according to our ratings.
6 for Gavin Bazunu.
His defence offered absolutely no defence, especially for Leicester’s fourth. came up with a clever plan to handle a counter when time was of the essence. Among multiple saves, the one on Ndidi’s long shot was good.
Kyle Walker-Peters – 4.
Both goals came from his side. Not effective for the first but stitched up with a poor pass for the second. Caught in an inverted position on multiple occasions, inviting Mavididi to race in behind. Drew a yellow card from Dewsbury-Hall with a sharp burst forward on the wing.
Shea Charles – 4.
Picked off and played around for the opening goal on 21 seconds. Pinched the ball from Winks from behind and drove forward well to kickstart intensity in second half. Part of a very young defensive pairing alongside debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 4.
Far from the ideal first appearance in a Saints shirt for the England under-21 captain. Possibly could have cut out the ball for Leicester’s second goal. Produced some good defensive moments to recover errors playing out from the back. Good chance with a header towards the end of first half.
Ryan Manning – 4.
Caught out of position again and delivered an inviting cross into the box during the second half, but no Saints shirt was there to meet his ball.
Flynn Downes – 4.
Involved in some sloppy play which set the early tone. Made a strong tackle in midfield towards the end of the first half which invoked rare cheers. Picked up an injury just after half time that Martin says could be “serious.”
Will Smallbone – 4.
Won back possession for a certain goal in box but was fluffed by teammates. Stitched up Walker-Peters for the Foxes’ second goal. Had to play a deeper role after Downes was withdrawn.
Adam Armstrong – 4.
Wore the captain’s armband once more in the absence of Jack Stephens. Began the game as a midfielder before also playing on the right wing and through the middle. Looked good in the press with Ryan Fraser. Missed a big chance in the second half to get Saints right back into the game.
Sam Edozie – 5.
Both goals from right but not sure you can attribute those to him. Really good chipped finish to pull one back in the first half, for his second Saints goal. Replaced at half-time for Kamaldeen.
Ryan Fraser – 4.
Won a long ball from Bazunu for the first goal. Formed a strong pressing partnership with A Armstrong in the first half. Created three chances from six passes in the first 45 minutes. His influence in attack diminished as the second half progressed, likely down to his lack of minutes.
Che Adams – 4.
Should have done better to capitalise on a defensive error from Leicester. Good slipped pass to Edozie for his goal.
Substitutes
Kamaldeen Sulemana – 4.
Brought on at half time for the goalscorer Edozie to make his first appearance of the season. Gassed his full-back with one of his first involvements and was threatening, winning a succession of corners. Gave away possession high up the field for the fourth when Saints had no defenders in their own half. Curiously sent off in injury time.
Charly Alcaraz – 5.
On just after half time. Fired wide with a free-kick with his first touch of the game. Created two chances which were ultimately squandered.
Stuart Armstrong – 5.
Introduced for Fraser with 20 minutes of regular time remaining Failed to make a real impact in the game after being introduced.
Joe Aribo – N/A
Brought on to play on the right when Adams was withdrawn. Only touched the ball 12 times and completed nine of 10 passes. Found it difficult to settle with his side already beaten.
