Ten-man Newcastle United grinded out a 1-0 win over newly-promoted Southampton in their Premier League opener at St James’ Park.
Fabian Schar was red carded half-an-hour in when he was adjudged to have headbutted Ben Brereton-Diaz. However, the home side went on to take the lead against the run of play when Joelinton scored on the brink of half-time.
The Magpies put every man behind the ball in the second-half and relied on Alexander Isak to counter forward. There were some nervy moments but Eddie Howe’s men held out for three points.
Bruno Guimaraes captained Newcastle as he lined up a three-man midfield of Joelinton and Sean Longstaff. Tino Livramento got the nod ahead of Kieran Trippier at right-back while Anthony Gordon started on the left hand side of attack.
Southampton had the ball in the net 10 minutes in through Jack Stephens but the goal was quickly disallowed for offside.
The Saints were on top and were handed an extra-man advantage when Fabian Schar was sent off in the 30th minute for a dubious headbutt on Ben Brereton-Diaz. There was a VAR check but Craig Pawson’s on-field decisions stood.
And from then on, tempers flared. The visitors continued their dominance but Newcastle dramatically took the lead when a mistake from goalkeeper Alex McCarthy saw Alexander Isak set up Joelinton just before at half-time.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Nick Pope - 7
A terrific one-handed save to deny Adam Armstrong early in the second-half before denying Carlos Alcaraz late on. Other than that, wasn’t really tested despite Southampton’s man advantage. | Getty Images
2. Tino Livramento - 6
Grew into the game after a less than convincing start. A vital block to deny Ben Brereton Diaz from equalising. | Getty Images
3. Fabian Schar - 4
A harsh red card but ultimately gave referee Craig Pawson a decision to make. Will now serve a three-man ban for violent conduct. | Getty Images
4. Dan Burn - 7.5
Equal to most crosses that entered the box. Rose to the defensive challenge. | Getty Images