It wasn’t a beautiful display, but Newcastle United took three points vs. So’ton. We look at how the lads performed.
Newcastle United struggled in the first half before grinding out a 2-1 win over Southampton today at St. James’ Park. We break down the player performances for the home side.
Top for the Toon (Great performances)
Martin Dubravka: He had two huge saves in the first half and continues to showcase his class towards the top of the EPL goalkeepers.
Jonjo Shelvey: Another match, another goal. He’s pretty much a bald Alan Shearer. His passing was not at their elite level, but he beautifully headed home the equalizer and the captain was involved in the action throughout.
Andy Carroll: His entrance into the match changed everything for Newcastle United and his cross on Shelvey’s goal was lovely.
Solid Showing (Positive play but lacking something)
Federico Fernandez: Right place, right time, quality finish for Fede as he banged home the winner.
Allan Saint-Maximin: His dribbling ability and high motor created chances for the Magpies, but nobody could seem to capitalize. Unfortunate to see him go off injured late.
Miguel Almiron: He drew fouls, pushed the attack, and was a very willing defender vs. the Saints.
Javier Manquillo: I’m not sure any Newcastle United player covered more ground than Manquillo. He worked hard to get into the attack before blazing back for his defensive duties countless times.
Isaac Hayden: I thought he did well to get forward and involved, but he didn’t physically control the midfield as well as he has done in recent months.
Mediocre Magpies (Disappointing display)
Joelinton: Another stinker for the expensive Brazilian. He just continues to show a lack of Premier League class and he should not be back in the starting XI next time out.
Jetro Willems: Usually a very reliable player, Willems made some careless passing mistakes in the first half and just didn’t seem on his game (something he admitted himself on Twitter).
Fabian Schar: He made his return today and seemed a step slow. He also appeared to duck under the long ball that Danny Ings collected to score his goal.
N/A for NUFC (Not good, not bad, not applicable)
Paul Dummett: His most notable moment was getting bloodied by an elbow in the box.
Sean Longstaff: He did well to fire a shot from distance in his limited action that the So’ton goalkeeper spilled to allow Fernandez to score the winner.
Ciaran Clark: He had a header that was easily saved before he subbed off at the break.