Newcastle start their Premier League campaign with a win, but is it enough?

Newcastle United has started their 2024/25 campaign, grabbing all 3 points in the season opener against Southampton. As the results state, it was an impressive performance from some young stars; however, as a whole, the fixture couldn't be called a memorable one for the Magpies. Though some moments of brilliance were produced by Eddie Howe's side, the club looked miserable most of the time.

Newcastle start their Premier League campaign with a win, but is it enough?

From the kickoff, Southampton had made it clear that they would play it from the front. The Saints marched on several attempts to get past the Magpies' backline, but a solid effort from the defensive force held the game 0-0. However, worries became intense in the 28th minute as a ridiculing decision from the referee had Newcastle's backline leader, Schar, suspended on a considerably soft rift with Brereton Diaz.

Reduced to 10 men for the rest of the game, Southampton was able to deep-invade Howe's defense; however, Nick Pope, as usual, stood out, maintaining the goal clean of any scoresheet attempts. It was in the 45th minute that the Brazilian star Joelinton found the bottom left corner on a beautiful in-ball by Newcastle star Isak, the duo combining to fetch the go-ahead goal for the club.

A solid defensive show overall held the game for Newcastle FC; however, it was clear enough that they hadn't had a brilliant game overall. Apart from the goal scorer, Joelinton, the leader, Bruno Guimaraes, and a rock-solid Nick Pope on the backline, Eddie Howe's side didn't have much positive from the fixture.

Newcastle's 3-shot attempts vs. Southampton's 19 attempts for a goal clearly demonstrate that the Magpies were lucky to return with 3 points from their home fixture. Appreciation is due to the back-four and the English goalkeeper, Pope, who devoid the Saints a goal opportunity, managing a clean sheet with his 3 crucial saves.

The Magpies have started their new season on a good note, but it is clear that they need some signies to endure for the rest of the long season. Clearly, the need for some pacy additions, in particular at the right flank, is felt, considering a mediocre show from Murphy. Moreover, if the Magpies do manage to bring in Guehi at the center-back role, Howe's side definitely could fight for a top-4 finish this season.