Five takeaways from Newcastle 1-0 Southampton – Brazilians, Pope and two off the pace?
Newcastle United won 1-0 at St. James’ Park as they picked up all three points to begin the new Premier League season in a positive manor, despite playing for an hour with ten men after Fabián Schar’s red card in the 28th minute.
Ben Brereton Diaz was the villain on a difficult afternoon for United as the Chile international threw himself to the floor in the face of Fabian Schar’ supposed headbutt to completely change the game. Newcastle dug deep and took the lead just before half time through Joelinton, who was excellent throughout.
The second half was a back to the wall performance which saw Southampton have 84% possession, yet they rarely seriously threatened. Nick Pope was on hand for the occasions they created a chance but calling them ‘real’ chances was generous as the Saints came up well short in the end.
Here are our five key takeaways from the game:
- The Boys from Brazil
On an overcast, muggy afternoon, that was a million miles away from Copacabana beach, Bruno and Joelinton showed their immense worth to the team. When Joelinton hobbled off against Sunderland last season United took a noticeable dive in quality. The former Hoffenheim man was immense yesterday – summed up by a 70-yard recovery run to win back possession when Newcastle was under pressure in the first half, and taking his goal well on his weaker foot from a quick Isak pass.
Bruno won a series of freekicks late in the second half when Newcastle just needed to see out the last few minutes for a precious opening day win. Captain for the day, Bruno showed his class with some combative play throughout the game, despite Southampton’s man advantage.
Joelinton netted the only goal in what was his 157th appearance in Black and White.
- Welcome back Nick Pope
Another player whose season was ruined by injury last year, Nick Pope showed why he is head and shoulders above the other keepers at the club. Calm on the ball and making saves look easy is all in a day’s work for Nick Pope and the Charlton youth academy graduate pounced on any Southampton effort yesterday afternoon.
Top class goalkeepers are a must for any team in the Premier League and we can’t help but wonder where Newcastle would’ve finished last season if the England international had stayed fit. He was brilliant yesterday mopping up Southampton attacks with ease and making a string of comfortable, yet vital saves to keep a clean sheet.
- A win’s a win – but it was rough (and combative) out there
Newcastle picked up all three points on the opening day of the season for the third season in a row. Southampton were relatively toothless, only really stretching Pope once, through Armstrong’s drive and continued in Burnley’s vein last season by getting caught short at the back for Joelinton’s strike. Most pre-game predictions centred around 3-0 wins for United but in the end, they had to fight for the three points on a difficult afternoon.
With all the injuries, this was a game United probably drew or lost last season, so it was imperative that they held on for all three yesterday. Hopefully the win will get the momentum going in what is a crucial year for the club as they look to get back into Europe, which is a bare minimum for most fans, players and management.
- Slight concern over Hall and Gordon?
Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall were surprisingly poor yesterday. Hall shone in preseason and staked a huge claim to start more games, especially after an impressive end to last season. The 19-year-old started yesterday but he was caught out of position by Brereton Diaz and Edozie on multiple occasions and had a difficult start to the new campaign, completing just 67% of his passes. He did make a goal saving block from Diaz in the second half to slightly unmark his copy sheet.
Anthony Gordon looked completely out of touch yesterday. He never really got into the game, he looked unfit, and he lacked his usual intensity and dynamism. He toiled away in the shifted 4-3-2 and was rightly replaced by Barnes in the second half. Here’s hoping it’s just hangover from a lack of game time at the Euros, and he hasn’t had his head turned by the reported Liverpool interest in his signature.
- Does Schar’s suspension accelerate the Guehi deal?
Friday brought news of a fourth rejected bid for Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace turning down Newcastle’s £65million offer after a week of drawn-out negotiations. With Fabian Schar set to miss the next three games through suspension, (as it stands, Eddie Howe has confirmed the club may still appeal) is this the catalyst for Newcastle to go back in with a huge bid for the England international?
The Guehi transfer has turned into an elongated saga, with Palace holding firm for what they feel the player is worth and knocking Newcastle’s offers back all week, despite player said to be keen on the move. Emil Krafth, Dan Burn and Lloyd Kelly did well yesterday afternoon after Schar’s red card but with two weeks, or so, remaining of the transfer window will Schar’s dismissal finally tip Newcastle’s hand to make a club record offer for Guehi?
