The Run Goes On! | Southampton 1-2 Newcastle United

A 632-mile round trip to Southampton on a Thursday night? Not a problem for Newcastle United fans as once more over 3,000 Geordies follow their beloved team down south for this re-arranged fixture.

Eddie Howe named one change to the side that won at Brighton at the weekend, Bruno Guimarães making his full debut for the Magpies as he replaced Joelinton who is suffering from a groin injury, Matt Ritchie returned to the bench and Allan Saint-Maximin missed out due to illness. Southampton made two changes to the side that lost against Aston Villa, Mohammed Salisu & Kyle Walker-Peters replacing Jack Stephens and Romain Perraud who dropped to the bench.

The visitors got the game underway and for the opening ten minutes or so of the game, they didn’t let the home side to settle, the midfielders quickly closing the hosts down when they tried to play out from the back. Broja had a chance to put the home side ahead on the twenty-minute mark when he was played in over the top but his heavy touch scampered his opportunity and Martin Dubravka was able to scramble the ball behind for a corner. The Saints did take the lead after 25minutes through Stuart Armstrong, Walker-Peters cross was not dealt with by the Magpies defence and Armstrong was there with a free header to guide it past the keeper. It wasn’t long before the visiting side were level, Jonjo Shelvey floated a cross in from the deep and Chris Wood rises above Salisu to level the scores. A great response by the Magpies. Half Time Score 1-1.

Southampton got the second half underway and had a half chance to retake the lead, Broja rose to meet a cross from Armstrong but he could not control his header. The home side would be made to rue that missed chance as Newcastle took the lead just a few minutes later. Jacob Murphy won a corner which was swung in by Matt Targett, Dan Burn headed it across goal and new signing Bruno Guimarães tucks it in with an outrageous flick which sent the travelling Geordies wild. Schar nearly added a third after Dan Burn won another header in the box but the Swiss international couldn’t quite reach it. Southampton pressed for an equaliser but Martin Dubravka was alert to make some smart saves to keep the score line the same and ensure that the Magpies left St Mary’s with the three points.

Sutty’s Full Time Thoughts: The Magpies go marching on, nine games unbeaten! What makes it even more remarkable is that once more we have come from behind to get the three points. Dan Burn continues to impress in the backline with his composure under pressure. Jonjo Shelvey played a blinding assist to Chris Wood who finally managed to get his first goal for the club, that will do his confidence the world of good and hopefully shut some of the critics up! We did miss Joelinton in the centre of the park though but his replacement this evening didn’t disappoint! What a goal to score on your full debut and it is no doubt one that will live long in his memory. Bring on Chelsea on Sunday! Howay the Lads!

What’s Next? Southampton host struggling side Watford on Sunday 13th March and Newcastle visit Chelsea also on Sunday. Both matches KO at 14:00.

Southampton Line Up: F Forster, K Walker-Peters, M Salisu, J Bednarek, V Livramento, M Elyounoussi (85, M Djenepo), O Romeu (79, S Long), (Captain)J Ward-Prowse, S Armstrong, A Broja (73, A Armstrong), C Adams.

Southampton Bench: W Caballero, J Stephens, R Perraud, Y Valery, W Smallbone, M Djenepo, I Diallo, S Long, A Armstrong.

Newcastle United Line Up: M Dubvravka, M Targett, D Burn, F Schar, E Krafth (91, J Manquillo), B Guimarães (67, S Longstaff), J Willock, (Captain)J Shelvey, R Fraser (85, M Almiron), C Wood, J Murphy.

Newcastle United Bench: K Darlow, P Dummett, J Lascelles, J Manquillo, M Ritchie, M Almiron, S Longstaff, L De Bolle, D Gayle.

Match Officials: Kevin Friend (Referee), Simon Beck & Eddie Smart (Assistant’s), Graham Scott (Fourth Official), Andre Marriner (VAR), Derek Eaton (Assistant VAR).

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