Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 10
Sent yet another message to Nathan Redmond, leaving the winger on the bench with a thin lineup to choose from. Jack Stephens was expected in the lineup, but not at left-back, showing the trust in the versatile defender. Pushed his starting eleven as always, not making a sub until the 73rd minute. Although who cares, because Ralph has taken Southampton to the top of the Premier League for the first time since 1988 and that alone deserves a perfect score.
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 9
Showed improvement with his feet throughout the contest. Was forced into his first real save in the 86th minute and it was a quality stop.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 9
Closed down Almiron and won the ball back leading to the opener. Disrupted Saint-Maximin the entire match and deserves massive credit for that job alone.
Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 9
Fortunately, did not have much to do early on. Saints tried to find him multiple times at the back post on corners, maybe he should have done better with one. Can’t find a moment where he put a foot wrong otherwise.
Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9
Fans were happy to see a quick return to the Polish centre-back. Not too much defending throughout the first hour and made his first contribution putting a header on target.
Jack Stephens, Left-Back – 8
Surprisingly received a start at left-back, and not surprisingly gave away the first Newcastle opportunity with a poor forward pass. Held his own though, regardless of having a short leash going up field.