Newcastle United dropped crucial points against Brighton last weekend and they must make up for that performance with a win against Southampton.
Newcastle United are officially dead last in the Premier League table with two points from nine matches. Newcastle were tapped as the favorites to win the match against Brighton on Saturday, but the visiting Seagulls departed St. James’ Park with three points after defeating the Magpies 1-0.
Newcastle dominated that match from start to finish as they had 27 shot attempts, completed 504 passes, had ten corner kicks and enjoyed 68 percent of the possession. Despite this dominance, Newcastle failed to score a single goal. Fortunately for Newcastle, their next opponent is a struggling Southampton side that is managed by former Stoke City boss, Mark Hughes.
Southampton have a performance record of one victory, three draws and five losses and they are currently 15th in the table with six points. Southampton are inconsistent and Newcastle have a shot at claiming three points on the road this weekend.
All or Nothing Approach
Against Brighton, Newcastle played well, but they were not clinical in front of goal. That lack of precision must be corrected before the Magpies face the Saints on Saturday. Newcastle need to play with urgency for all 90 minutes and they must look to spread the ball out wide to Kenedy and Matt Ritchie on the wings.
Whenever Newcastle utilize the wings, their offensive efficiency significantly improves and, as a result, Rafa Benitez’s men play their best football when they attack. Southampton do not boast a strong back-line and Newcastle can certainly take advantage of that vulnerability as they did against Brighton with over 40 crosses flying in from the wings.
Playing toe to toe with Southampton will be necessary in order to win, but Newcastle must also be compact and united in the back. Scoring woes have been a problem for some time now, but the inconsistency in defense is something new. Newcastle were one of the best defensive units in the Top Flight last season and Jamaal Lascelles needs to become more vocal to better organize his fellow defenders.
If Newcastle can emulate their performance against Brighton, but be clinical in front of goal like they were against Manchester United, then Southampton will surely be Newcastle’s first victim of the season. If Newcastle lose on Saturday, it will be an insurmountable challenge turning the season around to finish above the relegation zone and Benitez would be on the hot seat.