TWO Saints players escaped with any credit from their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, which confirmed their early relegation from the Premier League.

Midfielder Mateus Fernandes grabbed a late goal despite Saints being outclassed by a Spurs side that has suffered defeat to both Ipswich and Leicester at home this season.

Goals from Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel meant that Southampton conceded three or more goals for the 16th time this season. Here's how we rated every player...

Aaron Ramsdale - 6.

Two decent saves to deny Christian Romero, the second with his face, and a good reaction stop to deny Dom Solanke. Went unpunished when he handled the ball outside the area.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 5.

Won more tackles (four) than any other player on the pitch. A threat down the right, but he was left to handle two players when Spurs scored their opening goal.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 4.

Bullied defensively, allowing the ball to drop to James Maddison for Johnson's second. He was not as aerially dominant as he has shown at times this season.

Jan Bednarek - 4.

Couldn't reach Johnson before the Welsh international poked his second past Ramsdale. Bailed out by a good Ramsdale save when he was bounced by Solanke.

Ryan Manning - 4.

Kept his place in the team despite sustaining a wrist injury on Wednesday. Gave Johnson too much space for the opening goal. Failed to find his man with all six crosses.

Joe Aribo - 4.

Replaced the suspended Flynn Downes, and Saints lost something in the middle as a result. Lucky that Lucas Bergvall's goal was ruled out after poor defending.

Lesley Ugochuwku - 4.

Equally guilty of giving Johnson space for Tottenham's opener. Booked early on for a tug on Maddison. Ended up on the floor after a big swing and a miss from the edge of the box.

Tyler Dibling - 5.

Created Southampton's first chance with a nice looping cross to the back post. Did spark a counterattack, which Cameron Archer slowed down. Lightweight. Would have been able to do more with Paul Onuachu in support.

Mateus Fernandes - 6.

Registered five shots on goal and scored from his final effort, slamming in from close range. Gave his typical level of effort on and off the ball. Attempted more tackles than any other Saints player (six).

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 5.

Completed more dribbles than any other player but didn't really test the Spurs backline until his assist for Fernandes, which was a lovely cross. 

Cameron Archer - 3.

Offered very little upfront, having replaced Paul Onuachu. Had a poor touch and slowed down an important counterattack by getting in Dibling's way and then losing the ball. Just 16 touches.

Substitutes

Welington - 5.

Played the final 30 minutes and had been having a quiet game until he tripped Johnson inside the box, leading to Tel's goal from the spot.

Will Smallbone - 6.

Won both his tackles after coming on and kept things tidy enough without catching the eye. Back from injury.

Yukinari Sugawara - 6.

Fired an effort at Guglielmo Vicario, which the Italian goalkeeper had to gather after his initial save. Looked more dangerous with Walker-Peters behind him.

Paul Onuachu - 4.

Dropped to the bench with fitness concerns but made very little impact upfront when replacing Archer. Four touches.

Ross Stewart - N/A.

Came on with seven regular minutes to go, which was a nice moment following his latest injury recovery. Popped up in midfield at one point. Hopefully he can stay fit until the end of the season.