Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United look sloppy, stagnant in a loss vs. So’ton

By Carson A Merk

Karl Darlow of Newcastle United F.C. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Karl Darlow of Newcastle United F.C. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United turned in a poor performance in a 2-0 loss vs. Southampton in Friday Night Football.

Entering today’s match vs. Newcastle United, Southampton were on a five-match unbeaten run, but they would be without star forward Danny Ings and other key players. Despite the injury absences, the Saints handled Newcastle with ease in a 2-0 victory. Che Adams scored the opener within the first ten minutes of the match and Stuart Armstrong added the late insurance goal.

Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away Now

Both of the Southampton goals came directly after a Newcastle player did too much dribbling and gave the ball away deep in the defensive half. First, it was Miguel Almiron trying to do too much and Theo Walcott found Adams in front of goal for a powerful strike. Then, it was Sean Longstaff that coughed up possession to Armstrong, who buried his chance.

The Premier League’s Least Fun Team to Watch?

Newcastle United have a lot of talented players, including in the attack. But, Steve Bruce has this club playing some of the least attractive soccer you can possibly see. Per usual, they set up deep and primarily relied on knocking the ball forward and hoping for the best. Today, the passing was even less crisp than usual and too careless with the ball overall. Brutal viewing for the Toon Army.

Quick Kicks

  • Karl Darlow made some big saves today to keep Newcastle close.
  • Both of Newcastle’s best chances, headers from Joelinton and Sean Longstaff, came off of crosses from Jamal Lewis.
  • Jeff Hendrick was brutal today in distribution and continues to be in poor form.
  • When Bruce subbed Hendrick off (should’ve been sooner), he brought Matty Longstaff on for his EPL season debut. He was energetic but also rusty.
  • With the win over the Magpies, Southampton now moves up to first in the Premier League. It’s the first time the Saints will end a matchday on the top of the table. Well deserved.

Next. NUFC tracking this Liga MX star. dark

What’s Next?

An international break is on the cards for the soccer world before Newcastle United returns on 11/21 to face Chelsea.