Eddie Howe wouldn’t have drawn up a Week 1 win over Southampton to be so demanding of his Newcastle United, but the three points are in the bag for the 10-man Magpies after a 1-0 win at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Fabian Schar was sent off for lowering his head into antagonist Ben Brereton Diaz, but Alexander Isak and Joelinton made the most of a big Saints error to give the Magpies their goal.
It was then a full-on battening of the hatches for the Magpies, who conceded 78% of the ball to Southampton and withstood 19 shot attempts.
Southampton will be buoyed by their performance in a hostile environment in their Premier League return, but also know well this was at least one point lost in a building few will take three.
Magpies roll back the years to Rafa ball (for a day)
There was never any danger of Newcastle failing to respond to Fabian Schar’s surprise red card, what with it being opening day in front of the Toon Army on home soil.
But the way Newcastle answered going down to 10 men, by feasting on a newly-promoted side’s error and then showing the proper humility to defend like heck with the lead despite their perceived status, would’ve been welcomed by the home faithful.
The performance itself recalled the pride shown by the Magpies under Rafa Benitez late in a doomed relegation campaign, where breaks didn’t come their way but belief didn’t leave the side. This is a much better team and was playing an inferior foe — Saints don’t look bad, however! — but Newcastle’s new era still has the work rate of the bygone Benitez era.
We’re sure most Newcastle fans would say it’s good to see Eddie Howe still in the dugout, too.
Newcastle vs Southampton player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
Newcastle vs Southampton player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Newcastle vs Southampton player ratings (from fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Southampton are home to Nottingham Forest at 10am ET Saturday, a day before Newcastle go to Bournemouth for a 9am ET matchup Sunday (Aug. 25) with the Cherries.
How to watch Newcastle United vs Southampton, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET, Saturday (August 17)
Venue: St James’ Park
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Newcastle vs Southampton live updates! - By Nick Mendola
Newcastle vs Southampton final score: 1-0
Joelinton 45'
Newcastle vs Southampton video recap, highlights
And Saints should be level!
Nick Pope makes a really strong paw save off former Magpies academy starlet Adam Armstrong.
Diaz has stayed lively and Southampton have a shot cleared off the line by Lewis Hall, who is navigating his yellow card well.
Saints make switch at the break
Samuel Edozie will take the place of Sugawara, who had a nice Premier League debut.
Can this be the tweak that finally pushes Southampton in the final third against their 10-man hosts?
Oh no, Alex McCarthy! Newcastle in front
Newcastle’s 10 men have not been superior but they are ahead thanks to a huge goalkeeper error.
Alex McCarthy basically passes the ball out wide to Newcastle’s leading scorer, Alexander Isak.
The Swede spots Joelinton for a pretty easy goal and it’s 1-0 to the Magpies before half!
Fabian Schar red card (video)
St. James’ Park already had a distaste for Ben Brereton Diaz and this won’t help things at all.
Diaz charges through Schar from behind after the whistle, and Schar is steaming mad.
Diaz raises his head as Newcastle’s Swiss defender moves toward him, and it’s a red card for violent conduct.
VAR agrees with the call.
Newcastle vs Southampton team news
Tino Livramento is ready to go against his old side, while Adam Armstrong leads Saints’ line against his boyhood club.
Southampton’s Russell Martin likes to play attractive football but it looks as if he’s lining his men up to best deal with a very tricky Magpies test at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle lineup
Pope, Hall, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Gordon, Murphy, Isak.
Southampton lineup
McCarthy, Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters, Downes, Smallbone, Aribo, Brereton Diaz, Armstrong.
Newcastle United team news, focus
Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain long-term injury absentees and aren’t expected to return to action until early 2025, while Callum Wilson has suffered an injury setback and both Lewis Miley and Matt Targett are out. Center back Fabian Schar is fit for this game, which is a huge bonus, and Sandro Tonali remains suspended until August 28. In midfield and up top Newcastle have an embarrassment of riches with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy all battling for minutes. Isak holds the key to Newcastle’s hopes this season and the Swedish striker has his eyes set on the Premier League’s golden boot after scoring 21 last season.
Southampton team news, focus
Saints have one injury concern with Kamaldeen Sulemana out after picking up a minor ankle injury in preseason. Gavin Bazunu remain out long-term, while Adam Lallana and Ross Stewart are almost back to full fitness. Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes were exceptional on loan last season and have been signed permanently for a combined cost of almost $50 million, while Ben Brereton Diaz looks like a shrewd piece of business at $9 million and will add quality to their attack. Saints also signed striker Cameron Archer from Aston Villa on the eve of this game and he could make his debut. Adam Armstrong will look to convert his phenomenal season in the Championship (24 goals and 13 assists) to the Premier League, while Saints love to take risks out of the back but will likely line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation to frustrate Newcastle and be a little more defensively solid.
Newcastle United vs Southampton prediction
This feels like Newcastle could be frustrated a little but their attacking talents will break through in the second half. Newcastle 2-0 Southampton.