Newcastle United entertained Southampton at St. James’ Park earlier today hoping to pick up a win in front of their home supporters. There was hardly anything to split the two teams in the first half. However, the game finally came alive after the half-time break when the Saints broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute via Danny Ings’ goal.
The home team refused to give up without a fight and managed to score the equaliser in the 68th minute when Jonjo Shelvey found the back of the net with his header. Federico Fernandez popped up with the winning goal with just three minutes left on the clock to hand his team all three points from the encounter. The match finished with Newcastle emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle player performed during the contest against the Saints.
GK: Martin Dubravka – 8.5/10
The Magpies goalie pulled off a couple of important stops early in the first half. He managed to restrict the Saints from scoring more than one goal today, much to the delight of Steve Bruce.
RB: Javi Manquillo – 7.5/10
A solid display from him overall. He was a decent outlet for Newcastle down the right flank and was defensively sound as well.
CB: Federico Fernandez – 8/10
He struggled to cope with Nathan Redmond’s threat in the first half. However, Fernandez put in a much-improved performance in the second 45 and managed to score the winning goal from close range.
CB: Ciaran Clark – 7/10
Clark put in a commanding display at the heart of the Newcastle backline. He was a calming presence at the back but was replaced at half-time.
CB: Paul Dummett – 7.5/10
The Welsh talent made a couple of vital interceptions for his side. He worked well with his other centre-back partners and managed to do enough to secure a win.
LB: Jetro Willems – 6/10
He made a huge error in the first half and was lucky not to be punished for his mistake. It was not his best outing in a Newcastle shirt, but he was still heavily involved in Newcastle’s build-up play.
RM: Miguel Almirón – 6/10
The youngster tried his best to influence the game, but it was not his day today as he struggled for 85 minutes before being benched.
CM: Isaac Hayden – 6/10
He looked average at best in the middle of the park. Hayden needs to show a bit more creativity going forward. However, his industrious nature of playing football helped the team grind out the win.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – 7.5/10
The former Liverpool midfield ace got his name on the scoresheet in the 68th minute which gave his side the belief to go on and snatch the victory.
LM: Allan Saint-Maximin – 8/10
His solo runs in the opposition half were a joy to watch. Saint-Maximin managed to cause a lot of headaches for the Saints defenders.
ST: Joelinton – 4.5/10
It was another game without a goal for the Brazilian forward. He failed to trouble the Southampton defenders during the game and looked like a striker low in confidence.
Substitutes:
CB: Fabian Schur – 7/10
He came on for the second half and was a rock at the back. Schur made a couple of vital blocks to ensure the three points for his side.
ST: Andy Carroll – 8/10
The English frontman was a constant menace for the opposition. He even managed to set-up Shelvey with a brilliant cross in the lead-up to the Newcastle equaliser.
CM: Sean Longstaff – N/A
Not enough time to make an impact.
