‘We knew’ - Southampton boss makes point about Newcastle United’s style of play

Newcastle United beat Southampton 3-1 to bolster their Champions League qualification dreams.
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Ruben Selles felt Southampton “neutralised” Newcastle United in the first-half before surrendering their 1-0 lead at St James’ Park.

The Saints broke the deadlock in the 41st minute through Stuart Armstrong. Romeo Lavia dispossessed Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, Carlos Alcaraz then drove forward and found Kamaldeen Sulemana on the right who crossed for Armstrong.

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The Magpies, however, responded in the second-half after Callum Wilson was brought on in place of Anthony Gordon. Wilson netted twice, either side of Theo Walcott’s own goal to send United nine points above fifth place Liverpool.

Southampton boss Ruben Selles. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)Southampton boss Ruben Selles. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Southampton boss Ruben Selles. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

The Saints, meanwhile, remain in a perilous position at the bottom of the table. Selles says he knew exactly how Newcastle would line-up but ultimately left Tyneside empty-handed.

“We came and we prepared and knew exactly what to do to neutralise their game,” said Selles. “We did it, we were solid in the centre and found spaces in the red zone and created situations on transition. We did it in the first half. Second half we knew they’d have variation and come stronger and more aggressive.

“We spoke about breaking the first line of pressure as there were situations to play one-vs-one or two-vs-two. We didn’t make the passes and connect, and when you don’t connect the passes and go backwards in the first few minutes, it becomes a hard game and you only defend.

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“When you only defend against Newcastle it’s hard to keep a clean sheet. We conceded the goal and it got our mentality low and reminded us of previous results. We need to be more robust.”

Selles added: “It’s a little bit of everything, it’s not a lack of belief. We were 1-0 up and had chances and we spoke about needing the back four high to apply pressure.

“We knew they’d come with long balls and go in behind and with [Callum] Wilson inside we knew want to expect. But they did a good job in the second half and we didn’t really do that well from inside to outside and from outside to inside.”

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