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Southampton 0-0 Newcastle: Three match takeaways – 27/10/18

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton shoots under pressure from Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton shoots under pressure from Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United shoots under pressure from Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United shoots under pressure from Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Stephens offers a positive

In a match that saw the Saints throw away multiple opportunities to take the lead through poor finishing or bad decision-making, praise must be heaped on Jack Stephens who among a couple of others, did have a good afternoon at St. Mary’s.

Stephens actually managed a respectable three attempts on goal, with his best coming with a nice header right at the end of the first 45. The centre-back did all he could, and if it wasn’t for a great low save from Dubravka, it would’ve been 1-0.

Even from the back the Englishman was constantly looking to start attacks rather than just rely on short passes to his full-backs. He ventured forward to try and create something and that kind of desire shouldn’t be overlooked.

Considering the defender didn’t play in the league at all in September, he has retained his place now in consecutive games – both have ended in Southampton clean sheets.