Newcastle 3-1 Southampton: Three Key Saint Players

It was a frustrating afternoon for Southampton at St. James’ Park, as they conceded 3 goals against a non-top-six side for the first time since November.

Overall the play was not too bad. They did not get dominated by Newcastle but a few mistakes led to Perez bagging a hat-trick against the visiting side and the score line looking as bad as it did. The Second half was much better than the first and that will be what we focus on.

Here are the three key players for Saints.

Mario Lemina

Lemina, made his return to the pitch after being out for what had felt like a year. The midfielder has been recovering from stomach issues and he marked his return with a beautiful finish to open up the scoring in the second half and pulling the Saints within one before Perez put in his third.

Lemina, being back will give the Saints a boost moving forward in the final four matches of the season. On his day, Lemina oozes confidence and skill and can be a game changer in the middle of the park. If he can slot home a few more goals this season that should help see the Saints get over the line and safely into the Premier League next season.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Stuart Armstrong

Stu, came off the bench for the second half and put in a solid shift of work as he help provide a spark for the Saints going forward and created some chances. He had a great layoff to fellow substitute Lemina for his goal and got himself an assist for it.

Armstrong, has been such a solid player this season and performs whether it is starting or coming off the bench. He is the type of unselfish player every successful team needs and hopefully he has a role on the team for seasons to come

Ryan Bertrand

Bertrand, has been enjoying a good run of form as of late. He is playing very well going forward and creating chances in the final third while also being solid on the defensive side of the ball. Ever since Hasenhuttl came in, the Englishman has found his passion on the pitch again.

The early part of the season Bertrand looked like he could not be bothered on the pitch and we figured he would force a move out to another club. But, credit to him, he stuck it out and now has a manager who has the team playing good football again and getting results.