NUFC player ratings vs Southampton – Three 8’s, two 7.5’s, several 7’s, a 6.5 and the odd 6

What a result for Eddie’s Mags. That’s now nine games unbeaten and six wins in seven, sending us 10 points clear of safety!

To top it off, that’s only Southampton’s second home defeat of the season. A truly fantastic win, especially without Saint-Maximin and Joelinton, and one that saw new signings shine at St Mary’s.

Here’s our ratings following another brilliant night for Newcastle United:

Martin Dubravka – 8 – A stunning save to deny Salisu’s header, with that moment alone gaining us two points late on. Stayed alert throughout the game and appears to be getting back to the form a few seasons ago. Great save to deny Armstrong in the last few minutes.

Emil Krafth – 6.5 – Started poorly but managed to recover. Never gave up, was brave in the tackle and broke the game up well with a few well timed injury breaks. Struggled a little against Walker-Peters in the first half and lacks pace or quality at times, but grew into the game second half and stood up to the test well in the end.

Fabian Schar – 7 – Another no frills performance from the Swiss international, who did well to last the game after going down holding his groin a few times. Building a fantastic relationship with Dan Burn and has added consistency to his game. He was awful in this fixture last season, highlighting how much better he now looks under Howe.

Dan Burn – 8* – This could be signing of the season. The big man from Blyth not only marshalled the defence superbly – showing leadership throughout – but it was his header across goal that set up Guimaraes’ winner at the other end. He heads everything that moves, is hard to beat on the deck and adds an air of calm in possession. Another brilliant showing.

Matt Targett – 7 – Solid showing from the former Southampton full-back who kept Livramento quiet and was positionally solid. Beaten in the air for Southampton’s goal but his delivery from corners made up for it, with one of them leading to Bruno’s winner. Could’ve also scored had Salisu not blocked his low shot that was heading for the corner. Sign him up.

Jonjo Shelvey – 7 – Did the dirty work well, shielded the back four and played a key role in our equaliser, as his brilliant cross for Wood was so inviting. Playing his best football under Howe and no longer seems the liability he once was.

Bruno Guimarães – 8 – His goal showed a real glimpse of pure Brazilian quality. He tried to play too much in dangerous areas at times, but he put in a real shift and mixed that in with some moments of quality on the ball, looking silky in possession and capable of picking a pass.

Joe Willock – 7.5 – His turnaround since Howe’s arrival has been absolutely incredible. Made a crucial block late on the deny a Southampton goal and always an outlet going forward, committing defenders and drawing fouls. Undroppable at present and working so hard for the team, with him pressing from first minute to last. Starting to repay his £25m price tag!

Jacob Murphy – 6 – Couldn’t cope with Kyle Walker-Peters in the first half, bringing him down for an early yellow card and failing to stop the cross that led to their goal. However, hever stopped running and was a threat in the second half, with his pace and direct running helping force corners and give us a threat on the counter. Can’t fault his commitment and deserves a goal for his efforts!

Ryan Fraser – 6 – Didn’t get going from an attacking point of view, but ran himself into the ground as always. Subbed with around 15 to go due to fatigue. Really pleasing to see the Scot getting back to his best.

Chris Wood – 7.5 – Took his goal so well. An absolute thumping header from a Shelvey cross which he buried past Forster after getting the run on Salisu. Won several flick-ons, held the ball up well when we needed him to and pressed tirelessly from the front.

SUBS:

Sean Longstaff – 6 – Came on for a fatigued Bruno for the final 25 minutes. Didn’t get on the ball much but put in a shift to help see out the win.

Miguel Almiron – N/A – Played the final 10 minutes, replacing Fraser down the left. Didn’t do much wrong, but constantly look like he moves too quickly for his brain to compute what he’s going to do next!

Javi Manquillo – N/A – Replaced Krafth in extra time.