Southampton finish Friday night atop the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
Ralph Hasenhuttl got creative in selecting his starting eleven with so many regulars out with injury. Jack Stephens earned the surprise start at left-back with Ryan Bertrand sidelined. Perhaps more shocking was Moussa Djenepo returned to the wing, as Hasenhuttl preferred the Malian over the struggling Nathan Redmond. Finally, it was Theo Walcott who drew the start next to Che Adams in place of talisman Danny Ings.
Theo Walcott was heavily involved in the first half. He earned the assist on Che Adams’ goal and had numerous opportunities to run at the Newcastle defence. Walcott nearly tallied a second for Southampton after a wonderful flick from Djenepo to open up the striker.
The centre-midfield was where the first half was won, with Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse dominating play. Anytime Newcastle tried to go forward with pace, the Saints’ pair was right there to break it up. Ward-Prowse stopped two attacks behind his defencive line and Oriol Romeu was in all-out press mode from the start.
Southampton put the match in cruise-control for the entirety of the second half. Newcastle cannot be pleased with their own performance, but the Saints throughout the pitch were on another level. It is quite possible Southampton could have scored three or four, but Stuart Armstrong’s tenth goal in red and white put three points in the bag.
Ralph Hasenhuttl deserves massive credit for putting a team together which manhandled a capable Newcastle side. Although, it may be the belief surging through the players pushing this team to all-time high achievements. An all-around beautiful win Southampton fans will certainly be celebrating tonight with their club atop the Premier League table! Here are the player ratings for Southampton in their 2-0 victory.