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Chelsea vs Southampton player ratings: EFL Cup grades

By ROSHAAN KAPOOR

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea celebrate during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea celebrate during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea battles for possession with Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea battles for possession with Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Right wingback): 7/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi started in his unfavorable position as a right wingback. It was pretty evident that Hudson-Odoi is not a wingback and probably will never be one as his defensive side of the game is not good at all compared to what he brings to the table elsewhere. He struggled until the time Ben Chilwell was introduced, who played as a right wingback, pushing Hudson-Odoi to play in his preferred role on the left wing. After that, fans saw the real Hudson-Odoi taking on defenders and attacking them. One thing he does need to improve on is his decision making in the final third.

Saul Niguez (Central midfielder): 8/10

Saul Niguez put in a solid shift and should have scored his first goal for the club. The Spaniard’s first attempted header was denied by Forster’s fingertips in the first half. In the second half, Saul had some of the best chances of the game as his second header went straight to the keeper. Then the Spaniard pulled one of his shots from outside the box just wide, while the other was exquisitely saved by Forster again. Saul made a statement by being the best midfielder on the pitch in Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s absence.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 6.5/10

Mateo Kovacic had an off day today by his high standards. The Croatian midfielder started, despite having played against Norwich during the weekend, and seemed a bit tired. Despite all of that, Kovacic did help by maintaining the tempo of the game and acted more of a defensive midfielder, making a total of six tackles. He might not start against Newcastle at the weekend though, having played an entire 90 minutes against Saints.

Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 7.5/10

Marcos Alonso had a very good game and the Spaniard was involved all over the pitch. Being made the captain for the team, he also acted like one by leading by example. Alonso put in five tackles, three interceptions, took two shots, created two key passes and was fouled five times.

Ben Chilwell (Right wingback): 7/10

Chilwell came on in the 66′, replacing Ross Barkley. The England international played in the right wingback position and was mostly involved in the defensive half of the pitch. Chilwell made three tackles and intercepted the ball once, keeping the Southampton attackers at bay.

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