Southampton 0-0 Newcastle: Three key players – 27/10/18

Southampton played Newcastle United Saturday to a second consecutive nil-nil draw, while going scoreless in their fifth straight game.

Mark Hughes does not seem overly concerned, but fans are, with the lack of goals and continued inability to win at home.  Prior to kickoff, hopes were high, with winless Newcastle taking the long trip to St. Mary’s.  However, the Saints would take 22 shots on target and hit the mark just 4 times, again with no goals to show for their efforts.

There are positives however that many fans are failing to see.  The back four and centre-back partnership of Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt have combined for their second consecutive shut out.  Newcastle, still winless on the season, does not offer much of a threat, but holding any Premier League side without a shot on target is a successful feat.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg missed out due to illness, and Oriol Romeu stepped right back into the side and controlled the midfield alongside Mario Lemina.  The front four created a lot of chances and had opportunities to win the game, but just lack clinicality in the final third.

When it comes down to it, people remember the draw against a bottom of the table team.  A win could have done wonders for the player’s confidence, but a point on the board is better than nothing.  Here are three key players that contributed to the Southampton result.