Newcastle got back to winning ways on Saturday in a 1-0 win at Southampton. Allan Saint-Maximin bagged his third goal of the season and the first for the Magpies after drawing blanks for four straight in the Premier League.
This is the team that Bruce picked at St Mary’s, including the three substitutes.
Here are our individual player ratings for the match.
Martin Dubravka – 7
- Southampton only had three attempts on target, so Dubravka had a quiet afternoon. Once Moussa Djenepo went off, Southampton dropped deep and Newcastle had the bulk of possession. Though Martin was on his toes to parry Shane Long’s attempt in the second half. The striker deftly collected an Alex McCarthy kick to get off a shot just outside the box. But the Slovakian was alert and made the save. Dubravka also held his ground after a few aerial battles. However, he was hobbled for the second straight match with a leg injury. Martin was spotted on crutches after the game but Bruce seems to think he’ll be ok.
Javier Manquillo – 7
- Another excellent performance from the 25-year-old. He was solid defensively despite Southampton trying to test him early. He made an excellent tackle to win the ball from Boufal after slipping and falling down. Javier got forward constantly but also kept it tight at the back. He was able to get off three crosses down the right but they didn’t amount to much.
Jamaal Lascelles – 8
- Both Lascelles and Fernandez did a great job in keeping Danny Ings quiet. The skipper was very composed and made some crucial clearances in the first half. With Southampton going down to ten men, they were forced to sit deep. Lascelles did well to push Newcastle forward from the back and keep the pressure on the Saints. He also clipped a few decent balls to the flanks.
Federico Fernandez – 7
- Fernandez was composed and comfortable all afternoon. He was good in the air and made some critical clearances. The Argentine also helped to contain Southampton’s front duo.
Danny Rose – 6
- Danny Rose seemed to turn a corner midweek at the Hawthorns. He was again solid defensively after some shaky moments early. He really hasn’t shown much going forward since he joined other than a few moments against Crystal Palace. Though with Newcastle going to a back four, Danny has done well defensively. He’s also linking up better with Saint-Maximin down the right.
Isaac Hayden – 6
- Hayden was solid if not spectacular against the Saints. He was better in possession than last weekend as he looked up the pitch more instead of turning to play it to a defender. Isaac’s ball-winning ability and tough tackling are a good complement to Shelvey’s ball skills. They worked very well together at St Mary’s.
Jonjo Shelvey – 6
- If Jonjo could have carried his first-half performance through the entire game, he could have had a 10. However, he followed up his stellar first 45 with a dud in the second half. That said, he was outstanding early, always looking to move Newcastle forward. He continually tried to release Allan Saint-Maximin, but not all of his attempts came off. Jonjo played a perfect ball to Dwight Gayle in the 30th minute, but the striker’s header was straight at Alex McCarthy. Everything ran through Shelvey but he lost his way after the break.
Matt Ritchie – 5
- Ritchie put in a performance full of determination and grit. He had a brilliant sliding tackle on Moussa Djenepro in the box early as the Malian turned to shoot. The 30-year-old was full of desire, but he lacks the movement and acceleration that Valentino Lazaro showed on Tuesday. He also failed to convert on the penalty late in the first half. Ritchie adds a lot through his leadership and passion, but Lazaro is a better fit in this system.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 8
- Saint-Maximin had another outstanding performance in a Newcastle shirt. The Frenchman was always looking to attack and made some astute runs that Shelvey read. The 22-year-old flew by Sofiane Boufal and Yan Valery to get to the byline and picked Dwight Gayle out expertly in the box. However, Gayle side-footed the ball wide of the goal. Allan made his goal by bursting at Yan Valery, who didn’t handle Sean Longstaff’s hopeful punt very well. Allan nicked the ball off his compatriot and skillfully poked it underneath McCarthy’s trailing leg.
Miguel Almiron – 6
- This was a somewhat quiet afternoon for Miguel after his monster display at West Brom. However, his constant running and energy caused Southampton problems. Almiron had two point-blank efforts saved early by McCarthy. Southampton were very hard to break down after the sending off. Due to that Almiron just couldn’t find much space to exploit like he did on Tuesday.
Dwight Gayle – 5
- Dwight Gayle didn’t take his chances today though he was up against a brick wall in McCarthy. He missed an early chance when Jonjo’s cross found him about from 8 yards out. His shot was right at the Saint’s keeper, who also saved Almiron’s two follow up attempts. Dwight’s best chance was again from a Shelvey pass. Gayle made a brilliant run and Shelvey picked him out with pinpoint accuracy. However, Gayle’s header was tame and right at McCarthy. Dwight is getting in the right places and is still shaking off the rust. However, he really should have put one of his three clear-cut chances away.
Subs
Joelinton – 6
- Joelinton replaced Matt Ritchie in the 60th minute. The 23-year-old put in a solid shift but didn’t create anything of note. He dropped deep when needed to win the ball back but was also sloppy in possession at times.
Valentino Lazaro – 6
- Valentino was brought on for Javier Manquillo in the 71st minute. Though he was part of the back four, Lazaro was slightly higher up the pitch than Manquillo. He was solid defensively while trying to get forward down the right.
Sean Longstaff – n/a
- Sean come on for Isaac Hayden in the 78th minute. He lumped the ball forward after it came off Shelvey minutes after coming on. The ball was speculative at best but it led to the goal as Saint-Maximin pressured Valery and won the ball just outside the box. Not on the pitch long enough for a rating.
Who Was Newcastle's Man Of The Match Against Southampton?
- A. Saint-Maximin (69%, 1,251 )
- Jonjo Shelvey (14%, 252 )
- Miguel Almiron (4%, 77 )
- Jamaal Lascelles (4%, 64 )
- Martin Dubravka (2%, 34 )
- Javier Manquillo (1%, 25 )
- Isaac Hayden (1%, 20 )
- Federico Fernandez (1%, 19 )
- Dwight Gayle (1%, 17 )
- Matt Ritchie (1%, 16 )
- Joelinton (1%, 12 )
- Sean Longstaff (0%, 8 )
- Danny Rose (0%, 6 )
- Valentino Lazaro (0%, 4 )
Total Voters: 1,805
259 comments so far
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:13 PM
Comment #41Droppy
That £10m might just cover the cost of my discretion. I presume you wouldn’t want HMRC knocking on your door.
Online Guy
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:14 PM
Comment #42Why do people think they should have a say in Newcastle United …if they don’t go ?
It’s not the Daily Mirror asking the question it’s Bobbeebee,. I feel such a fool having to write his name .
Therefore it follows that it his mindset that we should not have a say because he attends and should have a say and the people who wont attend for good reason have no right to any say .
He said it .
Twist that .
droppy in Wallsend
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:15 PM
Comment #43Lesh
I see your point I believe we have a deal, however there is another interested party.
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:20 PM
Comment #44droppy in Wallsend
Another interested party eh? Fffft, the usual hangers on! It’s up to you to deal with them – if they want a bit, it’s up to you. I don’t play games but if you want to, I.might just deny any knowledge of an agreement between us. Oh, and you can tell the press, cos I ain’t.
Online Guy
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:21 PM
Comment #45Evening Lesh
Just putting bobbee and Munster to bed …Tuck them up .
Just off to disinfect my Hands.
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:21 PM
Comment #46Droppy
That’s my offer, take it or leave it.
droppy in Wallsend
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:23 PM
Comment #47Lesh
We could discuss it over a curry if you like.
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:24 PM
Comment #48Online Guy
Make sure you sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice, twice.
Or as some wag said today, in Bowis’s case, he’d need to sing it twice six or seven times to cover all the kids he’s popped.
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:24 PM
Comment #49Online
@48
* kids he’s pupped.
droppy in Wallsend
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:27 PM
Comment #50Lesh
That was some Freudian slip. Ha ha ha
Bobbybee
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:28 PM
Comment #51God, you’re such a prat. Go and read what I said you ass licking creep. What I asked was “Why do people who contribute nothing believe they should have a say in how the club is run”. Right, dummy shift stirrer. Nothing about attending. If you’re gonna try and stir the shit get it right.
They CONTRIBUTE the blog. What about you? A big mouth?
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:29 PM
Comment #52Droppy
Could do, it’s probably a bit safer than that Italian in Ponteland. Don’t tell the press or I’m.off.
Bobbybee
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:29 PM
Comment #53Oh yeah, you REALLY put me to bed you fool.
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:30 PM
Comment #54Droppy
Well, yet man went to Eton and it produces all sorts.
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:30 PM
Comment #55Droppy
Phone autocorrect’snon song
Well, * yer man went to Eton and it produces all sorts.
lesh
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:32 PM
Comment #56Bobby, Online
Is it really worth arguing over who said or didn’t say what and when?
Life’s to short, chill out the pair of you.
Bobbybee
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:34 PM
Comment #57Atfu lesh.
Bobbybee
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:34 PM
Comment #58Stfu
NY Mag
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:37 PM
Comment #59OLG,
I’ve read it all…as I always do
Bobby posed a hypothetical question and then followed it up with his standard posts…..since then the two things have been fused into one. I imagine he is sitting at home giggling at the controversy it has caused 🙂
droppy in Wallsend
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:38 PM
Comment #60Just watching match of the day.
ASM man, legend in the making if we can keep hold of him.
NY Mag
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:38 PM
Comment #61Ok, it seems I am late to this party……Bobby is here to defend himself.
Bobbybee
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:39 PM
Comment #62What a snide. Online sly, stirring the shit with BS. Did you read what he said Lesh? Eh? Don’t tell me what to post. I wasn’t even on here and some ass holes can’t help themselves. I come on and read that and shouldn’t respond in kind? That’ll happen one day never.
No need for it. And he was wrong – AS HE ALWAYS IS. Mr know nothing itk.
Don’t cry, I’m gone. I need to disinfect my hands.
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:45 PM
Comment #63Bobbybee
Careful
Your sounding like Munster now
😉
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:45 PM
Comment #64Bobbybee
How many thousand STs you buying next season ?
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:47 PM
Comment #65You think toon fans love the constant relegation battles due to Jabba needing the clubs cash elsewhere?
It’s not going to end till he’s gone
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:48 PM
Comment #66Jabba needs the gravy train to continue forever
It’s all he’s got that’s making money
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:49 PM
Comment #67Wonder what bollix the PR shoves out once we are safe to explain why we still haven’t been sold
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:50 PM
Comment #68Bobbybee
Undisclosed Payments
😉
droppy in Wallsend
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:51 PM
Comment #69Toon22
I think you were right earlier they have no excuses left, I think it will just be no comment this time.
NY Mag
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:54 PM
Comment #70Droppy,
It’s been no comment every time…..even when others comment, the club doesn’t
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:56 PM
Comment #71The problem they’ve got is he needs the sale lie
It’s what he does with his tat
How many more years of this rubbish before it’s counter productive
When it starts making people angry
Might be this time
Maybe next
It’s in the post
carltoon
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:56 PM
Comment #72NY Mag hope your not causing trouble. Just seen the highlights, as don’t like using the streams. Well done Maxi. The bits I watched Shelvey was good. Their Goalie honestly they always seem to play great against us. So pleased we got the three points.
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:57 PM
Comment #73NY
Not really true that is it
Jabba has commented on this rubbish plenty
Not sure why you seem to have forgotten it
toon22
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:58 PM
Comment #74Tyre kickers and time wasters
Not this time though
Not anymore ever
carltoon
Mar 7, 2020 at 11:58 PM
Comment #75How many points to stay up.
RobLeenio
Mar 8, 2020 at 12:01 AM
Comment #76Great win today, honestly I’d have taken a draw beforehand, to get the win in any fashion would have been a bonus, but to do it having dominated, having had a large number of shots, a good percentage on target, to see a red card in our favour and to miss a rare penalty and still take the points is fantastic. Absolutely delighted with that today.
Bruce needs to be given real credit for the change he has made to our tactical set-up. Changing from a back 5 to a back 4 is not something that happens overnight, as we saw when he tried it earlier this season. We failed and looked poor. He recognised that we couldn’t do it then, stuck with the back 5 but obviously worked in training on the change in shape which has now paid dividends.
Yes, it’s been two mid-table teams and a Championship side in the FA Cup, so yes we’re yet to see how it will work against one of the Big 6, but let’s worry about that when it’s necessary to do so. We may even switch back to a back 5 for those games, which will be fine as they will attack us more and therefore leave more gaps in behind.
So, we’ve seen the club advance, maybe not since the end of last season and Rafa’s tenure, but certainly from the start of the month. Let’s hope it continues.
If only we had a striker who could stick the ball in the net. What is it with Gayle and the chances he wastes?
toon22
Mar 8, 2020 at 12:01 AM
Comment #77If we arnt relegated this season it justifies Jabbas actions
He was right
He took a gamble and it paid off
He will repeat it next season , and every other season he can
There’s so much cash to plunder he won’t ever give it up
droppy in Wallsend
Mar 8, 2020 at 12:03 AM
Comment #78NY
There’s been little bits like the what’s £10m.
Called Staveley a tire kicker and claimed no offer was ever made yet George Caulkin said he’d seen the offers.
I think he’s going to sell one day but only on his terms, the £350m asking price obviously but what else will he want?
Anyway don’t really want to get into all that it’s pretty depressing
toon22
Mar 8, 2020 at 12:03 AM
Comment #79We are nowt more than an excellent retinue stream for him
He’s never going to walk away
toon22
Mar 8, 2020 at 12:05 AM
Comment #80NY
Funny how you tried to defend Jabba
Odd how Boobybee sounds like Munster
It’s never Jabbas fault