Southampton FC 2-1 Coventry City: Daily Echo player ratings

The Scot diverted Kyle Walker-Peters' long-range strike past the Coventry keeper before scrambling in a second before half-time.

Adams' double came after USA international Haji Wright missed a penalty when he slipped and sent his effort onto the crossbar.

Jake Bidwell pulled one back for the away side but Russell Martin's charges held firm to record their first win in four games.

Here is how we rated every Southampton player at St Mary's...

Gavin Bazunu - 6.

Looked set for a clean sheet until Bidwell scored off a cross. Made some comfortable but important saves as Coventry pushed for a second. Had a dicey moment with the ball at his feet but remained cool under pressure. 

James Bree - 8.

Started at right-back as Kyle Walker-Peters was shifted over to the left. Produced some brilliant defensive moments. Could have scored but struck off-target. Delivered the corner which led to Southampton's second. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 8.

Looked assured at the back next to Jack Stephens. Played some delightful balls over the top which created chances on goal. Headed down for Che Adams' second of the evening. Did lose a tussle with Ellis Simms, but Bazunu saved the resulting effort.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis impressed on the ball against Coventry City (Image: Stuart Martin)

Jack Stephens - 7.

Back at centre-back having featured at full-back in recent games. Drove out of defence to great success. Another solid performance from the captain.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 7.

Took the shot which deflected off Adams to give Southampton the lead. Look strong when running at defenders, as usual. Continues to impress in the Championship.

Flynn Downes - 7.

Conceded a penalty, which Haji Wright sent onto the crossbar. Also booked for a slide tackle. Rather faultless on the ball once more. Also showcased his ability to dribble out of tight situations.

Will Smallbone - 6.

Had a goal ruled out for offside having been teed up by Adams. Saw some efforts blocked. Didn't complete any of his crosses. Sweeped up defensively without standing out too much.

Joe Aribo - 8.

Southampton's creative force in the midfield. Gave a huge amount of effort to show for the ball continuously. Was fouled the most (4 times) of any player. Dribbled passed opposition players with ease on occasion. Withdrawn when he ran out of energy.

Joe Aribo was named player of the match at St Mary's. (Image: Stuart Martin)

David Brooks - 6.

The least impressive of Southampton's starting front three. Saw an effort saved when he could have squared to Adam Armstrong. Managed four touches in the opposition box. Replaced by Ryan Fraser just after the hour mark.

Adam Armstrong - 7.

Started out wide having led the line at Blackburn on Saturday. Looked more impressive on the left, where he had time and space to create shooting positions. Had two efforts denied by Bradley Collins. Took responsibility for Coventry's goal.

Che Adams - 7.

Claimed the opener, which came off him en route to hitting the net. Looked confident after it and tried his look from a distance. Scrambled a second goal over the line off a corner. Could have had a hat-trick had he taken his chances better.

Southampton's wait for a hat-trick this season continues after Adams' brace (Image: Stuart Martin)

Substitutes

Ryan Fraser - 7.

Introduced energy into Southampton's attack as they started to lose control of the game. Floated in some crosses which didn't reach their intended target. 

Sekou Mara - 6.

Was introduced out wide in place of an out-and-out winger in Kamaldeen Sulemana or Sam Edozie. Did not look too comfortable playing off the right. Lacked conviction in the box when presented with chances.

Stuart Armstrong - N/A

Made his return from concussion with six regular minutes left to play. Lead the line as Mara persisted on the right.

Joe Rothwell - N/A

The second man in Southampton's late three-man change. Introduced to help them control the midfield and hold on to an important win.

Shea Charles - N/A

Added steeliness to Southampton's midfield as Coventry mounted pressure for a late equaliser. Ensured Saints avoided a repeat of conceding late.