AFC Bournemouth 3-1 Southampton: Daily Echo player ratings

First half goals from Evanilson, Dango Ouattara and Antonie Semenyo gave Saints a tough hill to climb before Taylor Harwood-Bellis pulled one back.

His goal should have offered the visitors a chance back into the game, but they ultimately failed to test a Cherries side happy to play safe to retain their lead.

Captain on the evening Flynn Downes admitted Saints showed no "fight" or "commitment" while Harwood-Bellis admitted the result was on the players.

Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance on a difficult Monday evening at Bournemouth...

Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored his second of the season at Bournemouth (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Aaron Ramsdale - 5.

Conceded three goals for the third time in four games at Saints. Not helped by a poor defensive unit in front of him. Looked cool on the ball despite Southampton constantly playing back to him under pressure.

Yukinari Sugawara - 5.

Was unable to pose the same attacking threat which has earned him rave reviews during his early Saints career. All five of his crosses were unsuccessful. Did link up with Dibling but was unable to make the overlapping runs which usually bring him joy.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 5.

Switched off for Bournemouth's opening goal, scored by Brazilian forward Evanilson after a quick free-kick. Did pull one back in the second half but admitted he was not happy with his performance when speaking to the Daily Echo.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis is Southampton's joint top goalscorer this season (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Jan Bednarek - 5.

Part of a defence that had to make last-ditch tackles constantly. Bailed Harwood-Bellis out in the second half. 

Charlie Taylor - 5.

Kept his place in the team ahead of Walker-Peters. Made two important interventions to prevent Bournemouth from adding to their goals. Struggled to make an impact in attack. Beaten down the left for the second goal.

Flynn Downes - 5.

Had a lot of the ball as Saints struggled to break Bournemouth down, seeing them play around the back. The best of the players who started. Created two chances but saw a yellow card for his reaction to Dibling's yellow.

Lesley Ugochukwu - 4.

A frustrating first half performance, having looked bright in the early moments. Lost the ball too often and should have done better for Bournemouth's opener. He was beaten too easily by Semenyo for their third. Hooked at half-time.

Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu struggled against Bournemouth (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Mateus Fernandes - 5.

Struggled to assert himself after being given a lot of responsibility to create in a strikerless system. Attempted to connect with players to take the ball forward but lacked a neat pass at times. A young player still adjusting to the level who wasn't helped by the system.

Tyler Dibling - 5.

Much like Fernandes, he was asked to do too much too early. Moved away from the position from which he has had a lot of success and asked to play more centrally. Looked to drive at Cherries defenders but kept running out of room.

Ryan Fraser - 4.

Booed all evening by the home fans as he struggled to pose a threat. Could have done better when he pinched from Kepa's poor ball out. Offered little on the left when Southampton's system relied on wingers. Subbed at half time. Still looks like a player who needs more match sharpness.

Ryan Fraser was booed all evening by the Bournemouth fans (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Maxwel Cornet - 4.

Given his first Premier League start for Saints despite not coming on against Ipswich last weekend. Saw an early chance blocked. The closest thing Saints had resembling a striker in the first half. Subbed at half time.

Substitutes 

Ross Stewart - 5.

Singled out for praise by Martin at full-time. Offered a much-needed focal point to a team lacking an out-ball in the first half. Saw an attempted header turned behind for a corner after a dangerous ball in from Sugawara. Likely earned a starting spot.

Ross Stewart was praised by Russell Martin following the game (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Ben Brereton Diaz - 4.

Continued his horrible run of 20 games without a Premier Leauge win. Playing in a system which doesn't seem to get the best out of him. He's being asked to hug the touchline and interplay with teammates when he should probably be in the box.

Joe Aribo - 6.

The best of a bad bunch after coming on at half time. Tried to progress the ball in the second half but Saints ultimately ran out of ideas.

Adam Lallana - 5.

Dropped to the bench despite his impressive showing against Ipswich last weekend. Came on to replace Fernandes after he was booked. Looked frustrated with his teammates before seeing yellow for complaining to the referee. Tidy on the ball and should start every game he can.

Cameron Archer - N/A.

Came on to replace a tired Dibling after dropping to the bench. Entered a game which was all but lost. Had a bright moment on the ball when he spun and beat a Cherries defender but the chance came to nothing.