Ipswich Town: Alex Jones' player ratings from Southampton win

Vaclav Hladky

Some great saves, including one with his face. Threw himself about late on to preserve Town's clean sheet, albeit that he wasn't troubled as he was against Sunderland, Leeds United and Cardiff City. Had to be brave playing out from the back against a team like Southampton. 8

Harry Clarke

Improving game-by-game. Struggled in a few one-on-one moments, but was generally solid and did well to shepherd the ball out when Southampton took a more direct approach. The attacking side to his game is slowly coming back too, as he looked really sharp when overlapping Wes Burns. 8

Luke Woolfenden

The key man in the back line. Felt like he was resistant to Southampton's press, allowing him to play a big part in the way Town played on the counter. Had to really grind at times, but the Saints couldn't find a way past him. Exceptional once again. 8

Cameron Burgess

Not a direct game like Sheffield Wednesday, so he was tested in other ways. When there was an aerial threat, he cleared it without any issues, but Southampton made it a bit harder for him when the ball was on the ground. Nonetheless, this was another great performance that shows his improvement. 8

Brandon Williams made his first Championship start for Town at St. Mary's (Image: Stephen Waller)

Brandon Williams

Looks like he's been tasked with filling the Leif Davis role, which is fine, but will take some time to perfect. Looked a little rusty at the back in the early stages but grew into it, going on to become more confident on the ball as time progressed. Subbed off for Dom Ball in the second half. 7

Sam Morsy

He's still developing a partnership with Jack Taylor, so there were some awkward moments in the first half, but he was a real physical presence in midfield yet again. Stopped Town from getting swamped by Southampton's possession and did incredibly well alongside Massimo Luongo to hold on in the second half. 8

Jack Taylor

Looked a bit nervous but grew into the game. Put in a strong tackle on Joe Aribo to create a great chance for Conor Chaplin, but was overrun in midfield at times and could've been at fault for a goal. Hooked before the hour-mark for Massimo Luongo. A hard one for him to make his first start in. 5

Wes Burns

Didn't hurt Southampton's back line as much as some expected, but worked incredibly hard. When he found space, his deliveries were good, but Southampton handled the danger. Had the least touches of any player to play 90 minutes. Deserves extra recognition for his outstanding tackle on Adam Armstrong in the second half. 7

Conor Chaplin

A little anonymous at times, but one moment from him decided the game. A fantastic one-two with Omari Hutchinson to win it, and while the Chelsea loanee will take the praise, he deserves recognition too. Could've scored as well, hitting the post late in the first half. 8

Omari Hutchinson scored against Southampton on his first senior start (Image: Ross Halls)

Omari Hutchinson

Impeccable first half on his first senior start. A couple of moments where he didn't quite make the right pass, but his decision making has improved hugely. The tackle for his goal was excellent, as was the finish, and he continued to cause Southampton's back line all sorts of problems with his movement and energy. 8 (Man of the Match)

George Hirst

Worked hard but nothing really fell for him. Had one good chance to score in the first half and pressed Southampton's back line. His work rate will keep him in the team, and the goals will come, but it's hard for hm at the moment. 6

Sub: Massimo Luongo (57')

Solid, yet again. Came on at the perfect moment, combining well with Morsy to shut out the Saints, who piled on the pressure late on. A few forays forward that ended in disappointment, but he'll be back in for Taylor on Saturday based on his current form. 7

Sub: Dom Ball (70')

Brought on as an experienced head to handle Southampton's threat. He did that well, adding extra physicality into the back line. 6

Sub: Dane Scarlett (70')

Left isolated like Hirst. Chased well, but with the way the game panned out, he was never going to have a big involvement. 6

Sub: Marcus Harness (80')

Didn't have enough time to do anything, but he slowed down the tempo in the final stages, as he's often done in other games this season. That seems to be his role in the Championship, and it works well. 6

Sub: Nathan Broadhead (80')

Didn't have too much to do in the end. Only touched the ball four times as Town sat deep to grind out the win. 6