Newcastle United played hosts to Southampton at St. James’ Park earlier today hoping to grind out a positive result at home. The Magpies made a good start to the game as they took the lead in the 16th minute courtesy of Joe Willock’s goal. Miguel Almiron doubled Newcastle’s advantage just ten minutes later before Takumi Minamino got a goal back for the Saints. Almiron found the back of the net once again just before the half-time break to put the home side in a commanding position ahead of the second half.
James Ward-Prowse scored a special goal from a freekick in the 48th minute to give Southampton some hope of pulling off a comeback. Newcastle put themselves under more pressure soon after when the referee sent off Jeff Hendrick. However, Steve Bruce’s men defended valiantly despite their numerical disadvantage and secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Tyneside.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle player performed during the match against the Saints.
GK: Karl Darlow – 6/10
Darlow made a few saves and one good clearance during the game but will be disappointed after conceding a goal in each half.
RB: Javier Manquillo – 6/10
The Spaniard lasted only 23 minutes before he had to be taken off because of an injury.
CB: Isaac Hayden – 7/10
Hayden made multiple crucial clearances at the back and even blocked a goal-bound shot. He did enough in the second half to get over the line with all three points in the bag.
CB: Fabian Schar – 6/10
The Swiss defensive ace was having a tough game at the back but earned possession back a couple of times for his team. However, he had to go off with an injury that left Newcastle with only nine men on the field in the game’s latter stages.
LB: Jamal Lewis – 7/10
Lewis was not shy of getting stuck in with a few tackles and cleared his lines when needed. However, he failed to influence the game in the Saints half.
CM: Jeff Hendrick – 4/10
He let his teammates down for being booked twice and getting sent off in the 50th minute.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – 6/10
Shelvey struggled to create anything of note in the attacking third but tried his best to protect his teammates at the back.
RM: Miguel Almiron – 9/10
Almiron scored two decisive goals in the first half, which ended up making the difference. He also worked his socks off to help out defensively and deserves to be named the man of the match.
CAM: Joe Willock – 8.5/10
He scored on his Newcastle debut as he found the back of the net from 10 yards out to open the goal-scoring in the game. Willock was a constant nuisance for the Saints defenders and can expect to earn a lot more playing time if he can continue to perform like he did today.
LM: Allan Saint-Maximin – 8/10
The French winger set-up two good goals in the first half and was always willing to run with the ball out on the wide areas. He completed several dribbles during the game and deserves a lot of praise for his efforts this afternoon.
ST: Callum Wilson – 6/10
Wilson began the game well but had to be taken off in the 35th minute because of injury.
Substitutes:
RB: Emil Krafth – 7/10
He was a rock at the back as he made multiple clearances during his time on the field.
ST: Joelinton – 6.5/10
Joelinton worked hard and got back to defend inside his half when needed.
LM: Paul Dummett – 7/10
He came to his side’s rescue quite a few times in the final quarter of the game.
