Newcastle United, under Rafael Benitez, seem like a rejuvenated side since earning a Premier League promotion and have done pretty well so far in this prestigious competition. Following last week’s draw against mighty Liverpool, the Magpies traveled to St. Mary’s this evening to encounter Southampton who had a slow start under new boss Mauricio Pellegrino and were placed in the bottom half of the league table ahead of his contest against Benitez, his former gaffer who managed him at Valencia and Liverpool during his playing days.
The game, however, proved to be an end-to-end counter where the home side came from behind twice in the game which resulted in all square at St. Mary’s. Below are the Newcastle United players rated from their 2-2 draw against the Saints.
Rob Elliot: 5.5
Elliot looked nervy with his outings and clearances but improved lately and stood up to the challenge. Could have done little to stop Manolo Gabbiadini’s brace.
DeAndre Yedlin: 6.5
Had to deal with Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand from the right-hand flank and performed well on most occasions. Was lucky to avoid his second yellow as the referee opted to give him a final warning in the second half.
Jamaal Lascelles: 6
Made a number of clearances but was out of position at times and should have done better against Gabbiadini.
Florian Lejeune: 6.5
Was unlucky to concede a penalty from which the Saints’ equalized. Was solid otherwise, made some crucial blocks, clearances, and tackles and looked threatening from set-pieces. His header was cleared off the line by Steven Davis in closing minutes which could have been the winner.
Javier Manquillo: 6.5
Worked tirelessly down the left-hand flank. Made some positive forward runs, whipped in a few crosses but needs to work on his final touch.
Jonjo Shelvey: 6.5
His long balls were lacking accuracy and the Englishman was dispossessed a couple of times. But the ex-Liverpool midfielder combated well in midfield, made some purposeful runs and played some key passes upfront.
Isaac Hayden: 7
Hayden screened his backline and did well to break down a number of Southampton’s attacks in midfield. Also scored the first goal of the game and impressed with his passing traits.
Matt Ritchie: 6.5
Tried his luck from distance which did not trouble Newcastle. But he whipped in plenty of crosses from the right-hand flank and played his part in his side’s second of the evening.
Ayoze Perez: 7
Picked up Ritchie’s pass and tested Forster with a quick strike which the English custodian failed to clear properly and the Spaniard made no mistake to score from his second attempt. Was replaced by Mikel Merion little after the hour mark.
Christian Atsu: 6
Darted forward at times using his power, pace, and directness. Played his part in Newcastle’s opener as his strike was blocked by Yoshida which fell kindly into the path of Hayden who made no mistake to score with a thumping effort. Was taken off late in the second half to be replaced by Jacob Murphy.
Joselu: 6.5
Was unlucky as his glancing effort hit the woodwork in early minutes of second half. Remained isolated mostly otherwise and was replaced by Dwight Gayle in the second half.
Substitutes
Mikel Merino: 6.5
Merino was permanently acquired by Newcastle United from Borussia Dortmund during the international break and the Spaniard was introduced from the bench in place of Ayoze Perez. He was brought in to make the stable in midfield for his side and won a couple of crucial tackles in the middle of the park.
Dwight Gayle: 5
Came in place of Joselu. Did not offer much in Newcastle attack.
Jacob Murphy: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
