Southampton had a break from league action as they faced fellow Premier League strugglers Everton in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Both managers rang the changes, with Lesley Ugochukwu the only Southampton player that kept his starting spot from the 3-0 loss against Manchester United.
It was a game that lacked quality, with set pieces proving to be the best route to goal as Abdoulaye Doucoure and Taylor Harwood-Bellis both scored following dead-ball situations.
Alex McCarthy returned in goal and had to be at his best to deny Jesper Lindstrom in particular before saving Ashley Young’s penalty in the shootout to set up a round of 16 tie for Russell Martin‘s side after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.
Whilst a number of Southampton’s fringe players struggled to make their mark, there were one or two whose performances would have caught Martin’s attention.
- READ MORE: Southampton player ratings vs Everton, Taylor Harwood-Bellis sends message but one player gets 3/10
Taylor Harwood-Bellis must keep Southampton starting place
One such player was Harwood-Bellis, who captained the side on the night despite the fact Adam Armstrong also started.
Harwood-Bellis was the victim of Southampton changing to a back four against United on Saturday and will have felt he had a point to prove at Goodison Park on Tuesday night.
Jack Stephens missed that game through suspension after a needless red card on Saturday and will also miss at least the next two games and Harwood-Bellis proved in a goalscoring display that he should be ahead of the Saints captain in the pecking order regardless.
- READ MORE: Southampton boss Russell Martin shares what ‘annoyed’ him most about Jack Stephens red card
The Daily Echo rated Harwood-Bellis’ performance a joint-best eight out of ten, commenting: “Wore the armband in Jack Stephen’s absence.
“Headed Saints level moments after an important defensive intervention. He was held off by Beto when he played Lindstrøm through on goal. Completed 150 passes. Scored his penalty.”
Statistics behind Harwood-Bellis’ standout display against Everton
It was an eye-catching display from Harwood-Bellis at the heart of the defence as he looked calm and composed whilst battling well without the ball.
As mentioned, the 22-year-old completed 150 passes but he also maintained a pass completion rate of 94% according to Sofascore.
Harwood-Bellis also had more touches than any other player with a remarkable 172, won four of his five duels, made three interceptions and blocked two shots.
On a night where few in a Southampton shirt took their chance, Harwood-Bellis showed he should be the man to partner Jan Bednarek moving forward.