Newcastle United bounce clear of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win against Southampton tonight. Rafael Benitez won the tactical battle over Mauricio Pellegrino whose job is under the line after tonight’s embarrassing away loss.
It was the visitors who had the majority of the possession and yet United managed to snatch the three points away from them in spectacular fashion. Jonjo Shelvey’s lobbed pass was well met by an athletic Kennedy who struck a low hung shot into the bottom corner just after the opening minute of the game.
The Saints were not braced for the aggressive start from the hosts and they paid the price. But the fight for a comeback was far too weak as the Magpies managed to get the second in the 29th minute. The 2-goal lead came through a counter-attack which was led by Ayoze Perez.
The Spaniard surged ahead and through the channel of Dwight Gayle, Kennedy found himself on the end of an easy tap-in. 2-0.
The second half started off in a similar fashion with Southampton failing to create anything concrete in the final third. Matt Ritchie made it 3-0 after Shelvey set him up on the edge of the penalty box.
Pellegrino’s men could have scored a consolation but Martin Dubravka made an impressive save. He remained sharp and saw out the game with a clean sheet. 3-0 after 90 minutes.
Here is how Newcastle players were rated on the night.
Martin Dubravka – 7/10
Absolutely brilliant to deny an open Guido Carrillo and Josh Sims’ late effort. He was always sharp and distributed the ball well enough.
DeAndre Yedlin – 6/10
He got the better of Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand majority of the times as he ran rampant down the right flank. Some of his deliveries were a bit off.
Jamal Lascelles – 7/10
A solid display by the 24-year-old as he read the Saints attacks early and prevented Carrillo to settle inside the United half.
Florian Lejeune – 7/10
Quality with the ball and equally dominant off it. Timed challenges with a relatively easier night in terms of aerial duels.
Paul Dummett – 7/10
Very patient with his runs and a domineering presence in the United backline.
Matt Ritchie – 7/10
The goal was well taken. He worked hard off the ball as well.
Jonjo Shelvey – 9/10
Another midfield masterclass by the 26-year-old as he got the assist for 2 goals tonight. His intelligence with the ball easily makes him one of most underrated talents in the Premier Leagues. If only he could deliver such performances for the entirety of a regular season.
Mohamed Diame – 6/10
He won back the ball on plenty of occasions but could not link up the play well enough. His box-to-box runs were a threat.
Kennedy – 9/10
Such skill and attacking ability makes us question as to why the Brazilian did not find the back of the net sooner than tonight? He was a beast on the left-hand side and quite deservedly got the brace.
Ayoze Perez – 7/10
He was the key figure in the second United goal but otherwise had very few touches on the ball.
Dwight Gayle – 5/10
Not the best for the club’s starting number nine. He should have ended the tie early with multiple open chances on goal. Still credited with one assist.
Substitutes:
Joselu – 5/10
A fresh pair of legs helped press the Saints defence in the last stages.
Christian Atsu – NA
Mikel Merino – NA
