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Newcastle vs. Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Southampton players form a team huddle prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on February 06, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Southampton players form a team huddle prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on February 06, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton is fouled by Emil Krafth of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on February 06, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton is fouled by Emil Krafth of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on February 06, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 3

Won the heart of the fans in his Thursday press conference and brought a strong team to the North.  Jack Stephens at right back was the one questionable decision, and it proved costly early.  Could have changed the match when Newcastle went down to 10 men, but just sat and watched his team plod the ball around the wet pitch.  Redmond was delivering little on the right side, Stephens and Romeu were essentially useless, but he got lost in a game where his team may have totally killed their confidence.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 5

If this was ever a place to switch the goalkeeper, it was here, but Hasenhuttl restamped his approval on his #1.  Two early goals he could do little about other than tell Bednarek to get out of his way.  His pass to Bertrand and recovery position in his goal for Almiron’s second goal were awful epitomized.  McCarthy knew it as he buried his head in the turf, but in reality, this is a sign of a keeper who has lost confidence.  Forster starts in the FA Cup Thursday and might not give the position back.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 6

First obvious contribution was his cutting pass which earned an assist on Minamino’s goal.  Should have done much better dealing with the McCarthy pass right before the half.  Became incredibly attacking minded and was used often as the match wore on.  Contributed a few good crosses, but like his teammates, needed to bring more.

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 6

Not a Southampton fan in sight who did not welcome the Danish centre-half back.  Spent the first 10 minutes clearing off the dust with a dodgy pass into the heart of the Newcastle attack.  His diaganols completely lacked sharpness with opportunities to get behind the NUFC defence.  Nearly scored an equaliser at 3-3 as he was targeted regularly on free kicks.  Defensively wasn’t the problem, but looked like he didn’t have his legs back yet.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 4

Skinned by Saint-Maximin in his first defensive opportunity since his red card.  Then late to cover Stephens out of position again on ASM leading to the first goal. Saved by the match centre in which was clearly a second own goal in two games.  Floated a lot of balls forward that never seemed to come off.  Got away with a poor tackle on Almiron in a less than stellar performance.  Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come.

Jack Stephens, Right-Back – 3

Took up a very narrow position to start the match, which Newcastle recognized and tried to exploit with Saint-Maximin.  Was clueless when ASM drifted behind him as the winger assisted the opener.  Went to the centre of a back 3 when NUFC were reduced via red.  Was lost in possession with some very poor giveaways in critical areas.  Contributed nothing in the second half and arguably made it easier for Newcastle to grab three points.