Newcastle Toons
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Toon Takeaways from a grind-it-out win for Newcastle over So’ton

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United celebrates with Andy Carroll after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton FC at St. James Park on December 08, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United celebrates with Andy Carroll after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton FC at St. James Park on December 08, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United continue to climb the table as they defeated Southampton today at St. James’ Park.

It wasn’t pretty, but Newcastle United win their second consecutive match as they defeat Southampton at St. James’ Park, 2-1. Jonjo Shelvey and Federico Fernandez scored the goals for the Toon to wipe out Danny Ings’ second-half tally.

A Necessary Striker Swap

Steve Bruce pulled the trigger in the second half to drop Joelinton for Andy Carroll and the team seemed to get a boost from the change. The veteran striker was able to win the ball and flick it to teammates and draw fouls from the Southampton defense. He beautifully assisted on the Shelvey goal.

Federico’s Finish

The central defender was able to keep himself onside and bury his rebound chance to give the Magpies the win. Newcastle United defenders continue to step up in big moments in front of goal and it was Fernandez’s turn again today.

Bruce’s Battling Boys

This was not a picturesque performance from Newcastle United, but they continued to fight when they were not controlling the match. Say what you want about Steve Bruce, but he has this team willing to grind out results and that is all that matters.

Quick Kicks

  • Martin Dubravka stepped up huge for the Magpies today, which is a surprise to no one. He made two MASSIVE saves in the first half and kept things square at the break before Newcastle did the job in the second half.
  • Obviously, the departure of an injured Allan Saint-Maximin in the final minutes will make this victory a little bittersweet. Hopefully, it was just some tightness in his hamstring, but he’s dealt with an injury there earlier in the year and they can be tough to recover from. As usual, he flew around the pitch and created danger for the Magpies.
  • Jonjo Shelvey is playing out of his mind right now. He continues to be in the right place at the right time and is converting when the chance is there. It’s impossible to drop him from the lineup.
  • It was a poor performance for Jetro Willems in the first half, but he improved in the second 45 minutes.
  • Miguel Almiron and Javier Manquillo flew up and down that right wing today. While neither had anything for a final product, their work rates were excellent and important.

Next. Recapping Newcastle United's November. dark

Okay, What’s Next?

Next Saturday, Newcastle United will travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley. The Clarets were blown out 5-0 by Tottenham this weekend.