SAINTS came from behind to secure their first away point of the season in a 1-1 draw at Brighton on Friday night.

Flynn Downes cancelled out Kaoru Mitoma's first-half strike before Cameron Archer had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR.

Southampton were much improved in the second half and left Brighton disappointed not to win, despite a poor first-half showing, which could have seen them further behind. 

Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance at the Amex on Friday night...

READ MORE: Martin questions VAR after Southampton suffer latest controversy

Joe Lumley joined Southampton as third choice goalkeeper last summerJoe Lumley joined Southampton as third choice goalkeeper last summer (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson) Starters

Joe Lumley - 6.

Got his Premier League debut at 29. Made routine saves to deny Brighton from range. Beaten by Mitoma's header. Did hand Brighton a chance on the edge of the area but was largely good with the ball.

Yukinari Sugawara - 5.

Struggled defensively against fellow Japan international Mitoma. Caught on the ball and lost it to Mitoma, who should have scored. Beaten in the air by the winger too. Did deliver good balls into the box and should have had an assist.

Jack Stephens - 7.

Good performance at the back. Made the block on Georginio Rutter's effort after Saints lost the ball. Then produced an important last-ditch slide tackle to stop Mitoma and Joao Pedro from going through on goal.

Southampton's Jack Stephens applauds the fans following a 1-1 draw with Brighton Southampton's Jack Stephens applauds the fans following a 1-1 draw with Brighton (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA) Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 6.

Will be annoyed to see yellow after a solid performance and will now miss the game against Chelsea on Wednesday. Did pick out Cameron Archer with a good pass but the forward's touch let him down.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 6.

Continued in his left-centre-back role. Was caught out a few times, leading to a yellow card, but helped break the Brighton press. Was fouled three times but also committed three fouls.

Ryan Manning - 7.

Involved in a lot of the good stuff Saints did in the attack. Got good balls into the box and made runs to offer support for crosses from the right. He pulled the ball back leading to Downes' equaliser. Won nine out of 10 ground duels.

Flynn Downes - 6.

Scored the all-important equaliser but was lucky to still be on the pitch. Walked the tightrope after an early yellow card but didn't see a second despite repeated fouls. Was eventually replaced after his fifth infringement. Will now miss the next game.

Flynn Downes and Mateus Fernandes celebrate Southampton's equaliserFlynn Downes and Mateus Fernandes celebrate Southampton's equaliser (Image: PA),Mateus Fernandes - 6.

Handled his extra defensive duties rather well but was nearly caught out on the ball a few times. Showed his passing range with balls through to Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer. Nearly found Kamaldeen Sulemana over the top in the dying moments.

Tyler Dibling - 7.

He completes a trio of players suspended for the next game after earning his fifth yellow card. Caused problems for the Brighton defence with his powerful running. Involved in the goal which stood and the one with was ruled out. Continues to shine.

Adam Armstrong - 6.

Managed just 19 touches but played a role in the equaliser when Manning cut back for him and his effort was blocked into the path of Downes. Was adjudged to be offside and interfering with play during Archer's would-be winner, seeing the goal ruled out.

Cameron Archer - 6.

Saw little of the ball, but it is becoming apparent that is his game. Should have scored when Sugawara found him five yards out before seeing a goal controversially ruled out as outlined above. 

Cameron Archer had a goal controversially ruled out by VARCameron Archer had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA) Substitutes

Joe Aribo - 6.

Came on at short notice to replace Downes after he committed another foul which could have seen him sent off. Adapted to the game quite quickly, as he has done all season. Asked to defend by virtue of replacing Downes. Will be important on Wednesday.

Ryan Fraser - 7.

The best version of Fraser since his return to the club on a permanent basis this summer. Was direct and willing to knock the ball in the box. It was his cross that found Archer for the controversial ruled-out winner. 

Southampton's Russell Martin and Ryan Fraser at full-timeSouthampton's Russell Martin and Ryan Fraser at full-time (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6.

Introduced with two minutes of regular time remaining before the game was extended by 10 additional minutes. Asked to use his pace in behind. Lumley was slow to pick him out with a quick goal kick. The ball bounced off his heel for a potential chance in the 100th minute. 

Ben Brereton Diaz - N/A.

Came on in the final moments to provide an option with long kicks. Looked a bit slow to react to things but was not on for long enough to really assess his performance.