OPINION
Newcastle United knew that they had to make a statement when they faced fellow strugglers Southampton as it could easily be the game where they picked up their first win of the season.
Yet the Magpies just couldn’t seem to take the game by force as their attacking players weren’t firing on all cylinders.
Luckily for Rafa Benitez, his defence were singing from the same hymn sheet as they put a solid performance to ensure the Magpies gained a point as the game ended 0-0.
Nothing But Newcastle has delivered ratings for all the Magpies players after their performances against Southampton with one player bordering on invisible in a 2/10 display.
Goalkeeper and defence
Martin Dubravka – 8 – Got a vital hand on the ball to deny Southampton scoring in the opening three minutes. Good save just before the break to keep the scoreline at 0-0.
DeAndre Yedlin – 7 – Blocked the ball getting played through to Mohamed Elyounoussi but his lack of awareness saw it fall to Charlie Austin, who should of done better with his shot. However in the rest of the first half, he kept bursting down the flank in order to give the Magpies’ width to their attacks.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7 – Did well to put Austin off having a clear-cut chance before half-time. Didn’t submit his usual commanding performance but was acceptable.
Federico Fernandez – 7 – Put his body on the line for the cause a few times in the opening 20 minutes. Brave block in the 58th minute to deny the Saints a clear-cut chance.
Paul Dummett – 7 – Nice safety first defending. Kept Ryan Bertrand from having it all his own way in the first half. Solid defensive display.
Midfield
Matt Ritchie – 5 – His passion can never be faulted, but didn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck in the first half. Put his body on the line to do his defensive duties but needs to do more going forward.
Jonjo Shelvey – 6 – Found himself dropping deep to help side deal with the Saints as they piled on the pressure in the opening minutes. Great pass from nothing in 21st minute which earned a corner. Showed glimpses of what he can offer but that’s about it.
Mohamed Diame – 3 – Played a wasteful pass on the 43rd minute to no one as he seemed baffled at what do with the ball. Did make a couple of timely interventions but hard to compliment him aside from that. Robbed of the ball with ease in the 73rd minute.
Kenedy – 2 – Had a shot blocked in the fist half, which was his only real contribution in the opening 45 minutes. He could have done better with the chance if he wasn’t scared of his right foot. Aside from that bordered on invisible, easy to forget he was playing. It’s amazing he’ll earn £25,000 (Source: Spotrac) this week due to his contract after playing like that.
Attack
Ayoze Perez – 4 – Showed some positive signs in the first half but the Magpies need him to do more. Goes missing a little often, especially in games when the Magpies are searching for a hero.
Yoshinori Muto – 7 – Showed a glimpse of his ability to get past a player in the 5th minute. Lively in the first half, just didn’t get the service his ability to deserved.
Substitutes
Salomon Rondon on for Perez (68) -6 – The Magpies look better for having him upfront but probably needed more minutes after being on the sidelines through injury recently.
Ki Sung-yeung on for Diame (75) – 6 – Had some neat touches and if he had been brought on earlier, may have done more.
Christian Atsu on for Muto (79) – 5 – Had time to show off his terrible crossing ability, about it.
