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 which ended all square at St. Mary’s.
Below are the Southampton players rated from their 2-2 draw against the Magpies.
Fraser Forster: 5
An evening to forget for the English custodian whose weak save allowed Newcastle’s Ayoze Perez made to score his side’s second of the evening.
Cedric Soares: 6
Cedric did not offer much in attack and mostly concentrated on his defensive responsibilities against Christian Atsu. Had a better second half as he tried to whip in a few crosses and contribute in attack.
Maya Yoshida: 6.5
Yoshida was unlucky as he blocked Atsu’s effort which fell favourably into the path of Isaac Hayden who made no mistake to earn a first-half lead for the visitors. The Japanese centre-back impressed with his long balls, blocks, and clearances.
Virgil Van Dijk: 7.5
The Dutchman delivered a much better performance and played plenty of passes from the back to build the game up from deep. His long balls were mostly accurate, won most of his duels, impressed aerially and made some crucial tackles and interceptions for his side.
Ryan Bertrand: 6.5
Bertrand and Redmond combined well to break down Newcastle’s backline and impressed with his passing, crosses and one-twos. Should have involved more defensively at times.
Dusan Tadic: 6
Started the game brightly, whipped in a few crosses but faded off lately as he was being dispossessed repeatedly and could not explore the right-hand flank as Cedric did not offer much from attacking perspectives.
Oriol Romeu: 6.5
Closed down a few of the Magpies’ movements, blocked, tackled and intercepted a few times before being taken off to be replaced by Steven Davis.
Mario Lemina: 8
A decent all-round display from the former Juventus midfielder who impressed with his passing and holding ability in the middle of the park. He screened his defence when required and won a lot of duels, made few crucial tackles as well as interceptions and once again, impressed with his dribbling skills.
Nathan Redmond: 7.5
Redmond looked menacing down the left-hand flank with his pace, cut insides and key passes. He did extremely well to find Gabbiadini who made no mistake to find his side’s first equalizer. Was replaced by Sofiane Boufal in the second half.
Manolo Gabbiadini: 9
Had a quiet first half but the Italian came back strongly and scored twice to save his side from a home defeat. He picked up Redmond’s pass, spun and shoot which ended up into the back of the net in early minutes of the second half. Gabbiadini then calmly slotted home a spot-kick around75th-minute mark and secured a point for his side.
Shane Long: 6.5
Long had a quiet outing but his pace often caused troubles in Newcastle defence. He was fouled inside the box by Florian Lejeune that earned his side a spot-kick which was eventually converted by Gabbiadini.
Substitutes
Sofiane Boufal: 6
Came in place of Redmond. Attempted a few dribbles successfully and impressed with his footwork.
Steven Davis: 7
Davis saved his side in closing minutes of the game from conceding again as he saved Lejeune’s header off the line.
Charlie Austin: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
