Newcastle United moved up to THIRD in the Premier League table with a 4-1 win against Southampton. Goals from Miguel Almiron, Chris Wood, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes sealed a fourth victory in a row.
Patience was required as the Magpies looked to break down a Southampton defence that sat deep, and they got that breakthrough on 35 minutes when Almiron slotted home his seventh goal in as many games.
Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson combined to send the Paraguayan in on goal, who knocked the ball past Ainsley Maitland-Niles - whether that was intentional or not is up for debate - before slotting past Gavin Bazunu.
It was a deserved lead for United but their hosts should have levelled on the brink of half-time when Stuart Armstrong’s cross found Mohamed Elyounoussi unmarked at the back post, however the winger somehow side-footed wide.
The hosts started the second half the better but Chris Wood, on for Wilson at the break, scored at a vital time with a turning finish on 58 minutes. Four minutes later, Willock made it 3-0 when he latched on Kieran Trippier pass.
Romain Perraud pulled one back for the hosts but Guimaraes restored United’s three-goal advantage with a finish from outside the area.
Here’s our writer Jordan Cronin’s player ratings from the 4-1 victory on the South Coast.
1. Nick Pope - 7
Made two saves of note, denying Romain Perraud nine minutes before saving a James Ward-Prowse free-kick in the second half. | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier - 7
A let-off defensively when Elyounoussi was left unmarked at the back post but was at his creative best with an eye-of-the-needle past to assist Willock’s goal. | Getty Images
3. Fabian Schar - 7
Got caught out by Che Adams in the first half but otherwise another comfortable display for the Swiss international. | Getty Images
4. Sven Botman - 7
Produced a couple of sliding challenges to prevent Southampton from advancing in behind. Continued his unbeaten run in a United colours. | Getty Images