Southampton 0-1 Newcastle United: Three Match Takeaway Thoughts

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Jack Stephens and Alex McCarthy of Southampton celebrate after Alex McCarthy of Southampton saved a penalty shot from Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /

Redemption for McCarthy

After a calamitous mistake for West Ham’s second last week, McCarthy would almost certainly have been looking to bounce back quickly. Despite conceding the only goal of the game the Englishman manage that mission with a sensational display.

Although the keeper brought the adulation of the crowd for the first penalty save of his Southampton career, that wasn’t his greatest feet during the day’s work.

Instead that came just seven minutes in as Jonjo Shelvey delivered a low cross into the box. The ball arrived at the feet of Dwight Gayle who fired at the legs of the number one.

The ball then ricocheted to Miguel Almirón who was on a slight angle. The Paraguayan looked set to score, but was thwarted by a diving keeper. The 30-year-old then completed the heroics, denying the same foe with another stretching stop.

This was easily Alex’s best performance of the season if not his entire career. The goalie made numerous crucial saves that should have led to a positive result for his side. It’s a rare day indeed that a losing Goalkeeper would deserve a man of the match accolade, but AM would certainly be worthy of the credit.

Despite the result, the performance will surely make Match of the Day and enjoyable watch for many.