BBC NEWS, Stoke City player ratings vs Southampton as Million Manhoef almost seals famous comeback

Reaction from Southampton as Stoke City are knocked out of the Carabao Cup.

Stoke City’s comeback from 2-0 down to 2-2 resulted in an 89th-minute long-range goal, giving Southampton a Carabao Cup fright.

Stoke fell down two goals in the 35th minute due to poor defending and officiating. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, a former Stoke loanee, headed in from a corner, and Adam Armstrong converted a disputed penalty.

Ashley Phillips’ stunning flicked finish offered optimism before half-time. Tom Cannon equalized in the second half, and Million Manhoef’s attempt was cleared off the line.

The third never arrived, but James Bree took advantage of it with a 25-yarder that crept inside the post and advanced the home team to the quarterfinals.

All of their efforts to frustrate the hosts in the early stages were in vain as they were defeated in a set piece once more. Harwood-Bellis sprinted forward, leaving Phillips to tug his shirt, before reversing course and nipping to the back post, with Phillips still following as he jumped to head home Mateus Fernandes’ high, looping corner.

Armstrong challenged Bonham with a well-hit attempt at the near post from the right before referee Lewis Smith assisted Southampton significantly. Yukinari Sugawara definitely yanked Jaden Dixon’s shirt as he turned to make a clearing, pulling him to the ground. He then pushed the ball away off balance while grabbing onto Sugawara’s shirt. Smith couldn’t wait to nod to the spot, as Armstrong stepped up to convert a penalty to Bonham’s left.

Stoke had scarcely threatened, with Vidigal sending a bad bobbler over, but they were back in the game right before halftime. Bocat’s free kick from just inside the Southampton half was headed across by Michael Rose, allowing Sugawara to effortlessly bundle it back towards his own goal, assisted by an acrobatic flip from Phillips.

Stoke were equal 10 minutes into the second half. Vidigal’s challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu on the halfway line allowed Seko to charge forward and remain collected enough on the edge of the box to spot Tchamadeu coming in from the right. Tchamadeu leathered it low and diverted it to the back post, allowing Cannon to cushion beyond Aaron Ramsdale.

Pelach turned to his bench in the final half-hour, bringing on Lewis Koumas, Million Manhoef, and Andrew Moran in an attempt to snatch a late winner, even if it had to come on the counter-attack as Southampton remained in the Stoke half – albeit outside of the Stoke area, with Bonham’s gloves rarely used.

Manhoef arguably should have received a penalty when he twisted and rotated in the area, getting his foot stamped on by one defender and a leg put in front of him by another. Smith was not about to offer the tourists that. Then Manhoef’s shot was cleared off the line. A Wouter Burger tackle sent him running behind the defenders, and he bounced it with a knee past Ramsdale, only for Sugawara to drop and clear it before the entire ball crossed the line.

On the other end, the hosts made it count. Bree pounced on a pull-back and took advantage of the space he was given on the edge of the area to blast a shot inside the left post past Bonham’s dive.

The following are the player ratings from St Mary’s.

Bonham performed admirably in the first half, save Armstrong’s shots and securing crosses to assist Bocat. 6.5

Tchamadeu has to focus on the spaces he leaves behind at right-back. Nice surge forward to set up Cannon’s equalizer. It’s good to see some aggressiveness. Booked by a lousy ref. 6.5

Bocat has to work on defending back post crosses and leaving space behind. 5.5

Dixon: Unlucky with bad referee for penalty, but vital lesson to learn about ensuring officials like Lewis Smith understand what the rest of the stadium sees. 6

Rose is a reliable defender in the midst of a back three, but might improve his passing in midfield (6).

Phillips: Despite losing Harwood-Bellis for Southampton’s opening, his size and quickness proved valuable. Just before halftime, an incredible backheel finish was executed. 7

Thompson: Ugochukwu had a few possessions in his own half, but Thompson remained patient by sitting deep. 6

Seko moved the ball fast and intelligently. Nice turn circle. He directed the players around him with gestures. Excellent calm while assisting Cannon’s goal. 7.5

Sidibe shown exceptional technique and game knowledge despite little playing time on the left side of midfield. 6

Vidigal’s shooting boots are still rusty and he lacks the acceleration he shown at the start of last season. However, Stoke won their first free kick and set the challenge in motion with the second. 6.5

Cannon demonstrated outstanding hold-up play, resulting in Phillips’ goal. He took the goal nicely and appeared to be relieved. 6.5

Substitutes

Koumas (for Cannon, 60) demonstrated excellent agility and provided an outlet for Stoke’s offensive movement. 7

Manhoef (for Vidigal, 72) should have received a penalty before his shot was cleared off the line. Some impressive close control. 7.5

Moran (for Sidibe, 72) suggests utilizing energy in the last phases. 6.5

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