NUFC player ratings vs Southampton – A stunning 9, one 8, several 7s, the odd 6 and one 5

A fantastic second half performance from the Magpies and yet another huge win, sending us three points closer to Champions League football.

Here come the ratings from St James’ Park:

Nick Pope – 6 – Distribution with his feet very poor in the first half. Couldn’t do anything about the goal. Other than that didn’t really have to make a save.

Kieran Trippier – 7 – Got done at the back post for Armstrong’s goal in the first half. Set piece delivery was superb all afternoon, showing brilliant quality. Upped the intensity in the second 45 to help box Southampton in.

Fabian Schar – 7 – Wasn’t as effective with the ball in the game – a few of his first half passes were wayward – but improved defensively as the game went on.

Sven Botman – 7 – Flicked the header on for our second goal and very nearly grabbed a goal of his own before Wilson’s equaliser. Composed on the ball but wasn’t able to stop

Dan Burn – 6 – Replaced Targett in the starting lineup after recovering from illness. Defended pretty well but not at his best with the ball, also failing to offer Gordon a great deal of support in attack. A steady showing.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7 – Not his best display, losing the ball in midfield for the Southampton goal and sometimes struggling to shake off the superb Romeo Lavia. Looked a bit sluggish by his high standards but showed moments of world class quality, juggling the ball under pressure and keeping the ball moving. Missed a huge chance in the first half with a left footed volley inside the box. Made three key passes however, won eleven duels in midfield and made four tackles.

Joelinton – 7 – Struggled in the first half, much like most of his teammates, giving away the ball in bad areas on more than one occasion. Grew into the game in the second half, imposed himself on the game and got into some good positions in the final third. Put a real shift in second half and moved the ball well through midfield.

Joe Willock – 7 – Quieter than he has been in recent weeks. Looked a bit tired, especially when he was making his lung busting runs forward. However, he still put in a massive shift, battling well to win back possession and sustain our attacks. Got several efforts away after the break and was a real menace for a Saints midfield struggling to pick him up.

Anthony Gordon – 5 – Missed a big chance in the first half, hitting the outside of the post after bursting through on goal. Started brightly, but made the wrong decision a few times in decisive moments and was subsequently hooked at half time. Hopefully his confidence doesn’t take too much of a hit. In hindsight, maybe shouldn’t have started the game?

Jacob Murphy – 6 – Struggled to affect the game and was quiet in the first half. Playing with a lot more confidence and offers bundles of energy, but faded in the game and was subsequently subbed for Almiron just after the hour mark.

Alexander Isak – 8 – Caused Southampton massive issues in the second half, cutting inside from the left hand side. Southampton couldn’t live with his close control, rapid pace and decisive play in the final third. Brilliant assist for Wilson’s first and unlucky not to have another soon after. Quiet first half – aside from one lovely ball in behind for Gordon – but electric in the second.

Substitutes:

Callum Wilson – 9* – Completely changed the game after replacing Gordon at half time. Made every touch count, was a real handful and could’ve had a hattrick on another day, hitting the bar and having another chalked off for offside with a contentious decision. Took his two goals beautifully, made great runs and constantly outmuscled his man. To think some were doubting him a few weeks ago! April’s PL player of the month, without doubt.

Miguel Almiron – 6 – lively off the bench, better performance compared to last game however still getting up to full match fitness.

Elliot Anderson – N/A – Almost scored with his first touch, but probably should’ve left it for Wilson.

Matt Ritchie – N/A – On for the final few minutes.