Southampton 3-2 Stoke City: Daily Echo player ratings

The defender produced his third winning goal of Southampton's Carabao Cup run, cracking in on 88 minutes to secure a 3-2 victory.

Russell Martin gave several players a chance to impress but admitted after the game that some showed why they are not currently in the first team.

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

Southampton edged past Championship side Stoke City (Image: Stuart Martin) Starters

Aaron Ramsdale - 6.

His wait for a clean sheet in the red and white of Saints continues. Could do little to stop Stoke's first goal, scored by Ashley Phillips. Questions could be asked about his positioning for their second, scored by Tom Cannon.

Yukinari Sugawara - 6.

An up-and-down evening upon his return to the starting lineup. Won the penalty which led to Armstrong's goal - albeit a soft decision. Failed to clear for Stoke's first but did sweep off the line to prevent Saints from losing at 2-2.

Yukinari Sugawara started against Stoke after missing Saturday's game against Manchester City (Image: Stuart Martin)Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 6.

Opened the scoring with his third of the season. Good movement to create space and head past Jack Bonham. Didn't stay with Phillips from a set piece, allowing the England under-20 international to flick past Ramsdale.

Jan Bednarek - 6.

Had a solid game without doing anything of real note. Recovered the ball 10 times, more than any player on the pitch. Came off with 10 minutes left as Saints introduced another forward and played with one centre-back.

James Bree - 7.

Produced the game-winning moment, as he did against Cardiff City and Everton in previous rounds. Another steady performance on the left of defence. 

Lesley Ugochukwu - 4.

Struggled. Lost his marker for Stoke's first goal before giving the ball away for their second. Seemed to delay his decision-making, leading to him losing the ball or making a foul. Showed glimpses of his talent but needs to put things together in a Saints shirt.

Joe Aribo - 6.

Got a start after being benched against Manchester City. Had the first proper effort of the game when he fired straight at Jack Bonham from the edge of the box. Solid enough.

Mateus Fernandes - 7.

Delivered a good corner for Harwood-Bellis' opener. He had a positive impact in the final third and should have had another assist when he slipped Ryan Fraser through. Pulled up with an injury after the break but played on until the 68th minute.

Adam Armstrong - 6.

Dispatched his penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way, to open his account for the season. Although his deliveries did not always find their intended target, he did regularly try and cross the ball, especially after the introduction of Paul Onuachu. 

Adam Armstrong scored his first goal of the season against Stoke City (Image: Stuart Martin)Ryan Fraser - 5.

Continued his poor start to life as a permanent Southampton player. Was let down by his first touch on two occasions. Withdrawn on 36 minutes with what looked to be a knock. Didn't have a chance to make up for his mistakes in the final third.

Cameron Archer - 5.

Was a peripheral figure all evening. Managed just six touches, one of those coming in Stoke's box. Replaced by Paul Onuachu. In his defence, Saints did play through Armstrong rather than Archer. 

Cameron Archer has started to nail down his spot in the starting lineup after dropping out earlier this season (Image: Stuart Martin) Substitutes

Maxwel Cornet - 5.

Entered earlier than he would have expected when Fraser pulled up. Struggled to make an impact on the left before switching to the right with 20 minutes left.

Maxwel Cornet entered during the first half against Stoke City (Image: Stuart Martin) Paul Onuachu - 6.

Was introduced to offer Saints a different option after they had thrown away a two-goal lead. May need to work on his positioning and movement but Saints are also not finding him often enough. 

Ben Brereton Diaz - 5.

Another lacklustre substitute appearance. Got around the pitch without really impacting the game on the back. Managed just 10 touches.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - N/A.

Provided the assist for Bree's winner - although most of the credit should go to the defender for his wicked strike. Did well to stand up his marker and find Bree in space.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw - N/A.

Was introduced in an unfamiliar central role when Armstrong made way having dropped into midfield. Saw the ball just twice. Switched the play quickly with his only action of note. Got 17 minutes under his belt.