Southampton man deserves huge praise for display vs Newcastle

Southampton claimed a point late on against Newcastle on Saturday after twice coming back from a goal down in the second-half.

Mohamed Elyounoussi’s fourth goal in a week and James Ward-Prowse’s penalty proved enough to earn a draw – the very least Saints deserved after dominating the first-half.

One player who made a real impact off the bench and was perhaps the main catalyst for the two mini comebacks from his team was Nathan Redmond.

He coupled a strong performance against Newport County in the League Cup with another top showing at St James’ Park by laying on a perfect cross for Elyounoussi to capitalise and then playing a crucial pass in the lead up to the penalty being won.

Southampton could have Redmond back to his very best

Redmond replaced Moussa Djenepo in the 58th minute – three minutes after Callum Wilson had put Newcastle ahead.

Djenepo had missed several good chances to score during the game and this was a big opportunity for Redmond to try and claim a starting place for the next league games.

He got straight into the action when he received a pass midway into the Newcastle half and close to the left touchline. He was positive straight away by driving towards the byline and pushing onto his left foot – something that he does not often do.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

This seemed to take Newcastle’s Josh Murphy by surprise given that he often cuts back onto his favoured right side and this meant a huge amount of space created to bend a cross right into the danger area.

Mohamed Elyounoussi did the rest with the help of a rebound, which probably means Redmond will not be officially credited with an assist even though his play made the goal.

Into stoppage-time and after Saints had conceded what looked like a winning goal for Newcastle, another superb piece of play from the 27-year-old meant a crucial point was retained.

Receiving the ball centrally this time and again being positive with forward movement straight away, he worked space to flick a pass through to Adam Armstrong who won the late penalty. Excellent vision and decisive play for a second time and just when Saints needed it.

Saints fans are used to seeing Redmond struggle to influence games having seen a player low on confidence in the past couple of seasons. He was the club’s Player of the Season back in 2018/19 though and capturing some of that form again this season could provide Saints with crucial attacking contributions.