Newcastle are one step closer to the drop after failing to secure anything from their match against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium last night.
The home side were always favourites, but there is invariably a measure of hope for the relegation threatened sides in these fixtures, with the possibility of finishing in the bottom three a real motivator.
That did not seem to factor too much into this contest though, with the Saints comfortably brushing aside any thought of a Toon upset win in a dominating performance. The defence from Rafa Benitez’ side was comical at times and it seemed all too easy for the home team to create opportunities.
In the end there was only a goal each to Shane Long, Graziano Pellè and Victor Wanyama, but it could have very easily been a half dozen more. Andros Townsend got the only real highlight for the visitors with his rasping drive finding its way into the top left corner to wrestle back some dignity.
POPULAR ARTICLES
EPL – What We Learned – Watford 1 Everton 1
EPL – Player Ratings – West Ham United 3 Arsenal 3
EPL – Tactical Analysis – West Ham United 3 Arsenal 3
Southampton
Fraser Forster – 6.5: Did not have an awful lot to do but was there when needed. Nothing could be done to stop Townsend’s goal.
Ryan Bertrand – 7: Was comfortable both going forwards and defending and contributed in both areas.
Virgil van Dijk – 7: Superior in his contest with Newcastle’s attacking players.
José Fonte – 7: The Southampton captain was similarly dominant as his central-defensive partner.
Cuco Martina – 6.5: Not a poor game by any stretch, but perhaps did not get as much of an opportunity to display his talents.
Victor Wanyama – 7.5: A good game in the heart of midfield stifling any opposition midfield play and capped-off with a well taken goal.
Jordy Clasie – 7: Kept things moving well but faced very little pressure.
Dusan Tadić – 7: Not quite able to supply a finishing touch in this one, yet found himself involved in many good-looking attacking patches of play.
Sadio Mané – 7: Also unable to find the back of the net despite some good opportunities, although he did an excellent job in supply.
Shane Long – 8: Fantastic on return. The Republic of Ireland international was on top in this match highlighted by a terrific dribble and finish to open the scoring.
Graziano Pellè – 7.5: Bullied Mbemba and led the line confidently.
Substitutes
James Ward-Prowse – 6.5: Slotted in well and kept things going after his introduction. Substituted on for Long in the 59th minute.
Oriol Romeu – 6: More involved to perhaps slow things down a bit which he seemed to manage more or less.
Jay Rodriguez – N/A: Replaced Tadić in the 83rd minute.
Newcastle United
Karl Darlow – 6: Beaten on three occasions but things could have been worse without a few good saves.
Vurnon Anita – 5: Moved from left to right-back in a ragtag defence but was hardly the weak link.
Chancel Mbemba – 4: Bullied and bested by Pellè and often found himself lacking in one-on-one contests.
Steven Taylor – 3: Slow and poorly positioned, seemed more training cone than Premier League defender.
Daryl Janmaat – 2: Nightmare seems the only thing fitting for the Dutchman’s performance. A horrible 39 minutes summed up when his ill-timed slip led to Pellè’s goal.
Moussa Sissoko – 4.5: Really nothing to offer in the attacking sense.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 4.5: Looked out of sorts in the midfield and bereft of inspiration.
Jonjo Shelvey –5: Had plenty of touches but most were ineffective.
Andros Townsend – 6.5: The only one to offer real fight in the Newcastle side. Scored a classy goal.
Aleksandar Mitrović – 5: Not really given much opportunity, but still had little influence.
Ayoze Perez – 5: Managed a few smart turns and a shot on goal, though was largely ineffective.
Substitutes
Siem De Jong –5: Thrown onto a sinking ship and did not offer enough to slow the flow. Substituted on for Janmaat in the 39th minute.
Jamal Lascelles – 6: Added at least some fight to the Magpies defence.
Papiss Cisse – 5: Had little time on the ball and, similar to the rest of the attack, could do little with it. Replaced Perez in the 70th minute.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us onFacebook.
