Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8
It takes courage to drop an experienced Theo Walcott, but the move was warranted considering Walcott’s first two performances. Mohammed Elyounoussi working himself all the way back to the first team says a lot about the character of the individual. Extremely quick hook on Djenepo and deservingly so. Brought on Armando Broja to take over for Che Adams who could not seem to make an impact. Left Romeu on for too long, but Diallo proved late he doesn’t have a good sense of game management bombing forward. The team he picked was better than Newcastle and it is on them to take that match in the first half.
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 7
Snapshot save from Newcastle’s late first half corner was huge. Rest of his opening 45 was spent watching his team 60 yards up the pitch. Nothing he could do on the first goal, but surely fans will find fault in it. A solid save on a deflected shot and two strong catches from corners were notable. The second goal he made himself big, but what do you want him to do? When you look at the big picture, he kept the team in the match.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Left-Back – 7
Drove forward continuously in the opening 30 minutes without a defender in sight. Took a yellow card on his first challenge, making his day far more difficult. Was less adventurous from there on out. Still defended well despite the yellow, but maybe the team could have benefited from Perraud, a left-footer, on his preferred side.
Mohammed Salisu, Centre-Back – 8
Step for step with Saint-Maximin in the early-going. Amazing tackle on the same man inside the box just a minute after Southampton had equalised. Truly had ASM in his back pocket for the duration, forget the goal, it wasn’t on him. This man is going to get better with every match he plays.
Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 5
Not asked to do much other than sweep behind the attack. One iffy first half moment between he and McCarthy. Beaten by Wilson for the first goal and held Newcastle onside for the second. He is great for character, but poor in possession and accuracy of pass.
Tino Livramento, Right-Back – 6
Rides challenges so well. His timing of entering the attack was a bit off in the first half. Never really grew into this game and rarely puts a cross into the box, but that could be tactical. Not the match the team needed from him considering Southampton dominated a lot of play.