Taylor Harwood-Bellis completed the turnaround by heading in his sixth goal of the season after star man Leo Scienza had drawn them level.
Saints moved up to fifth in the Championship table after Hull City’s defeat to Sheffield United and increased their buffer inside the play-off places.
Here’s how we rated every player’s performance against Derby…
Saints win for a sixth game in a row and extend their unbeaten run to 17 games while moving up to fifth in the table. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/TVxsOYUp3q
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) April 11, 2026
Starters
Daniel Peretz – 7.
Could do little about Derby’s goal, which deflected on its way to Morris, who fired in from a few yards out. Not really tested with any big saves but was assured with every other action and limited their threat from crosses after the goal.
James Bree – 7.
Just like the rest of Southampton’s wide players, he did not get much joy from crosses, despite knocking some inviting deliveries into the box. Won a huge 50-50 defensive intervention late on to ensure Saints remained in front. Steady again.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 8.
Nodded home the winner from a set-piece delivery to cap off another top performance at the back. Followed up on his goal with an important block to deny Morris his second goal. Won seven out of his eight duels throughout the day.
Southampton FC v Derby in the Championship match at St Mary’s Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin)
Jack Stephens – 7.
Partnered Harwood-Bellis well, and restricted Derby to a few clear chances beyond their goal. However, he was caught on the wrong side when Morris scored the opening goal. But the skipper had an otherwise solid performance.
Ryan Manning – 7.
Delivered the cross for Harwood-Bellis’ winning goal, having been a threat from crosses all game, although most of his deliveries were not gobbled up. At least one or two more were decent. Played the full 90′ and won six out of his seven duels.
Flynn Downes – 7.
Screened the defence really well, as he is one to do, allowing Southampton’s more creative players to ask questions of the Derby defence. Recovered the ball eight times – the joint most of any outfield player. His work cannot be overstated.
Caspar Jander – 8.
It’s this man who tied Downes with eight defensive interventions, but what set him apart from his midfield partner was his attacking output, particularly transitioning from turnovers. Caused problems with drives from the midfield, including to set up Scienza.
Tom Fellows – 6.
Had a tricky afternoon on the wing and seemed to be trying too hard to beat the full-back at times. Should have done better with a close-range header and was reluctant to attack the back-post – that first Saints goal still evades him. Substituted early.
Finn Azaz – 6.
Worked hard and provided the assist for Scienza with a quick pass out to the Brazilian winger, but should have got on the scoresheet himself. Snatched at a few efforts in the first half and was withdrawn with a knock late on. Seemed to be fine after the game.
Southampton’s Finn Azaz pictured against Derby County. (Image: Stuart Martin)
Leo Scienza – 8.
Drew Saints level with a delightful curling effort after a frustrating first half saw him make seven unsuccessful crosses. Similar to Manning, his deliveries could have yielded more. Had the beating of Derby’s full-back in the second half.
Ross Stewart – 6.
A bit like Azaz, he snatched at chances while having a good game linking play up. Fired into his standing leg with his biggest chance before the break and was subbed during the first round of chances in the second half. Not his best game but he looked quick on the ground.
Substitutes
Cyle Larin – 7.
Was a menace up front but should have done better with a chance set up by Downes. He delayed his shot and eventually ran out of room from an angle.
Kuryu Matsuki – 6.
Did the basics right when he came on at 1-1, put the odd good ball in and ultimately contributed to a comeback win. Did not set the world alight, though.
Shea Charles – N/A.
No rating as he did not play enough minutes. Brought on in the number 10 role after Azaz picked up a knock, and showed he can play more advanced.
Southampton’s Shea Charles pictured against Derby County. (Image: Stuart Martin)
Sam Edozie – N/A.
Showed good pace to break wide, but flattered to deceive when the final action arrived. Was unable to reach a tantalising low cross from Matsuki.
Nathan Wood- N/A.
Brought on to help Saints see out all three points and did exactly that. His introduction prompted a shift to a back three. Did not touch the ball.