After an away win on the South Coast for Eddie Howe’s Mags, we’re now guaranteed to be in the top four come Christmas. An early Christmas gift for all Newcastle fans!
Here come the ratings from a very wet, but very happy afternoon in Southampton.
Nick Pope – 7 – Four saves and a commanding afternoon in the Newcastle box. Couldn’t do anything about the goal. Dropped one cross in the first half but recovered well.
Kieran Trippier – 8.5 – Outstanding performance from the captain. Gave all of us a heart attack with a hamstring issue but managed to recover. Unbelievable assist for Willock’s goal and a big miss defensively when he went off for the final 15 minutes.
Fabian Schar – 7 – Solid display from the Swiss, who accompanies Botman so well. Gave the ball away cheaply in the first half a few times. Six clearances and a blocked shot for our new found Swiss superstar.
Sven Botman – 7.5 – Absolute rock at the back, but he did have a few lapses in possession. Gave the ball away cheaply in the second half which nearly cost us a goal. Makes it look easy at times and made a great block in the first half to deny a goal scoring opportunity.
Dan Burn – 7 – Another solid performance from Burn, who is making the left back spot his own. Rock solid afternoon with seven clearances. Dove in for recklessly for Southampton’s goal.
Joe Willock – 8.5* – The goal drought has ended. Unbelievable performance from Willock which has been due a few weeks. Took his goal beautifully, guiding it past the helpless Southampton goalkeeper. Two key passes, a goal and an all around fantastic midfield display.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8 – I’ve ran out of words to describe this man. What. A. Player. Tops of a silky display with a inch perfect 25 yard strike. 36 passes, two interceptions and a goal sum up another classy afternoon for our Brazilian superstar.
Sean Longstaff – 8.5 – His best performance this season. Got forward brilliantly, battled well in midfield and put in an all around fantastic performance. Should’ve scored with a header in the first half but made up for it with brilliant running and a superb midfield performance.
Miguel Almiron – 8 – The goal scoring run goes on. That’s seven now for the Paraguayan, who simply cannot stop scoring. Looks a completely different player from the one under Bruce last season. What a turnaround.
Callum Wilson – 6 – Clearly struggling for fitness due to the cold he has been battling with this week. Will have been devastated to be subbed with the England manager watching on. Held the ball up well but it was evident he was struggling. Hopefully will be back for Chelsea next Saturday.
Jacob Murphy – 6 – Clearly lacking in quality, but works so hard for the cause. Subbed for Saint-Maximin in the second half as he struggled to effect the game. Sublime work effort but lacks quality.
Substitutes:
Chris Wood – 7.5 – Took his goal beautifully with a lovely finish into the bottom corner. Lacks pace which lets him down at times but always puts himself about as he competes with the opposition defence.
Jonjo Shelvey – 6 – Broke up play well and displayed his quality on a few occasions.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 7 – Displayed some wonderful moments of skill beating players for fun. Set up Bruno’s wonderful goal with a smart sideways pass.
Javier Manquillo – 6 – Didn’t offer much but lovely to see him back from injury. Expect to see him moved on in January.
Elliot Anderson – 6 – Couldn’t effect the game but great to see him get more minutes for the toon.
