Southampton player ratings as Downes proves colossal at Leeds United

Leeds’ faint automatic promotion hopes were emphatically snuffed out on the final day as they slipped to a 2-1 home defeat to Saints.

Adam Armstrong’s opener was cancelled out by Joel Piroe before Will Smallbone regained the lead for the visitors, who were worthy winners.

It was only the second time this season that Saints had less possession than their opponents. Here is how we rated their players... 

Starters 

Ryan Manning was able to operate in a natural wing-back position (Image: PA)

Alex McCarthy - 7. 

Decent performance in the net from the former England international. Nothing he could do about the goal, made three saves and was important in deflecting pressure away from the goal by dealing with crosses on a few occasions. Will certainly start in the playoffs.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 8. 

Key to the attack and looked natural in the new formation. Set up Smallbone for an early chance, which he hit the keeper with one-on-one. Did exceptionally to keep in the ball, skin his man and assist Smallbone for Southampton's second. Nice job.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7. 

Good outing, apart from the Leeds goal. Poor clearance straight to Piroe for that equaliser. Otherwise, most defensive actions of any player and was dominant in the air. Had been training in midfield during the week and showed why with a great cross for Kamaldeen late in the game.

Jan Bednarek - 8. 

Crucial player again. His status was reflected by Martin opting to play the Pole through the middle of the three defenders. Harwood-Bellis-esque diagonal ball for the second goal. Continues to lead both vocally and by example. 

Jack Stephens - 7. 

Same as Harwood-Bellis, good outing from back to front apart from a mistake leading to the goal. Conceded possession trying to run out from the back for the leveller, did not have any options in front so should have cleared. Relatively faultless in possession otherwise. 

Ryan Manning - 7. 

Good 45 minutes before he was withdrawn to avoid a potential red card. Capitalised on a more advanced starting position and was almost perfect in possession, didn't win all of his duels defensively but was a presence when needed. Harshly booked to end his game. 

Flynn Downes - 9.

Southampton's most important individual and it's not even close. Finds himself everywhere on the pitch, particularly in the Leeds half in this match. Kept alive the chance for Adams to set up Armstrong's goal brilliantly. Team structure totally different after he came off. 

Will Smallbone - 8. 

Slick. Missed an early one-on-one but made up for it with a good finish for the second Saints goal. Showed both sides of the game and filled in for Downes well for the final 25 minutes of the match. Hit a free-kick into the side netting towards the end of the match.

Joe Aribo - 7. 

The least impact of the starting players and had the fewest notes as a result. Some suspect passing during the first half but had intent to play forward and this was noted. Was one silky turn and pass leading to a counterattack and winning a good free-kick late on. 

Adam Armstrong - 8. 

God performance and goal. Scuffed the finish a touch but beat Illan Meslier for the opener and his 21st goal of the season. Good touch, strong run and dangerous ball into the box after the break to nearly set up a third. Had a goal ruled out for offside after taking it around the keeper. 

Che Adams - 8. 

Vital to the way Saints play and missed after he came off on the hour mark. Classic number nine performance, holding up the ball for his teammates and making things happen. A perfect ball into the box for the assist on the opener. Didn't have a shot all game, though. 

Substitutes 

Ross Stewart made his long-awaited return (Image: PA)

Ryan Fraser - 7. 

Came on at half-time. Tasked with a slightly different role as a left wing back and there were no noticeable issues. Fired one shot over the bar from the edge of the area and credited with some defensive actions. 

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6. 

Came on after an hour. Looked lively down the middle and was trying to make things happen, but was not too involved. However, he spends too much time on the floor and not enough playing. Missed a good headed chance for a first goal.

Joe Rothwell - 6.

Came on for Downes after 67 minutes. Made 100 per cent of his passes and dribbles successfully so nothing to moan about with Rothwell's performance. Booked for a couple of fouls as he disrupted the game and only managed eight touches. 

Ross Stewart - N/A.

Made his return in the 83rd minute, managing nine touches. Not much expectation on him other than getting up to speed but didn't get into any positions to shoot. Looked strong, won both of his ground duels and was fouled twice. 

James Bree - N/A. 

Afforded Walker-Peters some rest in the 83rd minute. Managed eight touches and was part of the attack to win a free-kick - a rare chance - in the closing stages. Didn't do anything wrong but hard to give a proper grade.