Southampton’s hopes of achieving automatic promotion took a huge dent as they drew 1-1 at home to Middlesborough. There was, however, one player who was a shining light.
Although Leicester City lost to Bristol City and Leeds dropped two points against Watford, Southampton failed to capitalise by drawing 1-1 against Middlesbrough.
Russell Martin‘s men took the lead through top scorer Adam Armstrong in the first half and after Che Adams squandered several opportunities to extend that advantage, Saints were punished in the final minute.
Emmanuel Latte-Lath equalised for Boro to rescue a point while leaving Southampton in the same position they started the day, nine points behind second place with two games in hand.
It’s a result that has left supporters feeling deflated and while it was ultimately a disappointing Good Friday, the performance of Jack Stephens was one positive to come from the game.
Jack Stephens was a rare shining light for Southampton
Stephens has received criticism from sections of the fanbase recently for his performances, with many feeling aggrieved at Martin trying to shoehorn him into the side.
The Saints captain is naturally a centre-back, but eyebrows were raised when Martin used him as a left-back in the 2-0 win over West Brom.
With the recent injury to Kyle Walker-Peters, who returned to the starting XI against Boro, Stephens was given more game time and the 30-year-old was told he’d helped the team recover after their blip in February.
Yesterday, he showed exactly why his experience and defensive expertise warrant a place in the side, picking up the Man of the Match following a fine display.
Stephens boasted 122 touches and a 91% pass completion, demonstrating he can start attacks from defence and also made a goal-saving challenge, leaving fans in shock at the speed he showed to get back and tackle Isaiah Jones.
The long-serving Saints defender has had his critics previously, but he was a rare shining light for Martin on a disappointing afternoon.
Stephens will be key against Ipswich
Ipswich moved to the top of the Championship after beating Blackburn Rovers 1-0 and Southampton travel to Portman Road in two days.
Martin’s men face the unenviable task of beating a side yet to lose at home to keep their slim automatic promotion hopes alive.
In a match of this magnitude, the experienced Stephens – who has racked up 170 appearances in red and white – will be crucial at the back.
Stephens possesses brilliant leadership expertise and knows how to martial his defence, as Martin previously said his team needs him in it.
Ipswich have lost one of their last 11, but if the Saints are to make a late surge for the top two, taking points from the Tractor Boys is imperative and the “superb” Englishman, as hailed by Alan Shearer, will be at the heart of that.