Southampton enjoyed a relatively comfortable afternoon’s work in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, as they beat League Two Walsall 4-0 at St Mary’s.
Russell Martin used the game as an opportunity to heavily rotate his side and the performance of a number of players showed that they should be a big part of the manager’s plans moving forward.
Debutant Joe Lumley did well in goal, with his footwork earning praise post-match, whilst Jack Stephens completed his first game since returning from a lengthy injury.
Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Jayden Meghoma took their opportunity, putting in solid performances despite both being aged just 17 and took their opportunity and Sekou Mara scored from the start.
All in all, it was a positive afternoon for Southampton, but one player in particular seized his chance to prove that he can be a regular starter over the next few weeks.
Ryan Fraser proves he must be Sam Edozie replacement
That player was Ryan Fraser. The Scotland international joined the club on loan from Newcastle United in the summer and his experience has been a huge asset to Southampton since arriving.
The 29-year-old has scored four goals and provided one assist in the Championship so far this season, but has generally had his most meaningful impact when coming off the bench rather than as a start.
With Kamaldeen Sulemana still out with the injury he sustained against Bristol City at the end of November and now Sam Edozie set to be out until February, Fraser is the club’s only fit senior winger.
Going into the game against Walsall, there were concerns that these injuries would really hinder Southampton over the next few weeks, especially given Fraser’s best performances have come as an impact substitute so far. However, the ex-Bournemouth winger emphatically showed that he can be relied upon as he completed his first 90 minutes in a Southampton shirt against Walsall.
Fraser was a constant threat in the cup clash, relentlessly driving Southampton forward and running in behind. It was through his direct running that he scored the first of his two goals, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis lofting a through ball over the Walsall defence for Fraser to run onto and convert superbly.
In the second half, Fraser first provided the assist for Mara to put Southampton two ahead, before finishing well first-time from the edge of the box to put the game beyond all doubt and cap a fine performance.
Fraser was given a match rating of nine out of ten by the Daily Echo for a display in which he demonstrated both his maturity and ability. Although it should of course be caveated by the fact it was against fourth tier opposition, Fraser did all he could to ease Southampton fans’ concerns regarding a month without the in-form Edozie.
Martin echoed this sentiment, as speaking about Fraser post-match he said: “He’s been great coming off the bench recently, now Sam Edozie has got an injury so Ryan has put himself in the frame to play from the start”.
Southampton face Championship games against Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea City and Hull City – as well as the FA Cup fourth round – before Edozie will be fit to return.
If Southampton are to extend their 19 game uneaten run further then they will need Fraser to carry this form into the next month as he looks set to be a vital player in that time.