10-man Newcastle seal slender victory against Southampton
After injuries and reported PSR issues blighted their last campaign, the buzz was back for the Magpies, who kicked off their PL campaign looking to add to an eight-game run without defeat at their famed fortress.
They started quickly against their newly-promoted visitors, with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak looking particularly dangerous.
However, despite Southampton struggling to keep possession, summer signing Ben Brereton Díaz continually prowled.
He was involved in an incident which appeared to have flipped the game on its head before HT, when Fabian Schär saw a straight red when he clashed with the Chile international.
That, though, did little to deter Newcastle's spirit and, after a lapse of concentration from the Southampton backline, Isak squared the ball to Joelinton who smartly fired home from 12 yards to give his side the lead at the break.
With a man advantage, the visitors knew the game was there for the taking and ought to have found a leveller within five minutes of the restart.
Following some pinball in Newcastle’s Brereton Díaz inexplicably misplaced his effort past the post from just eight yards out. A back-to-the-wall performance ensued from the Magpies, who fought tirelessly in midfield and also moved Anthony Gordon up top with Isak to remain threatening on the counter.
Around the 70 minute-mark, Russell Martin made a double change in an attempt to find an opening.
But a combination of an indestructible black-and-white wall and a distinct lack of cutting edge from the Saints saw them struggle to break their opponents down.
As such, it was a brave triumph for Newcastle, whose fans will be happy to see the return of the same defensive solidity which helped them earn a UEFA Champions League berth in 2022/23, with this win ending a six-match PL run without a clean sheet.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Joelinton (Newcastle)
