Newcastle 2-2 Southampton: Player ratings as Saints seal draw in stoppage time

28 August 2021 19:10

Newcastle were denied their first Premier League win of the season by a 95th minute penalty in a 2-2 draw with Southampton.

The Magpies were second-best for much of the game, and thought Allan Saint-Maximin's last minute strike was enough to seal all three points, but James Ward-Prowse's spot kick pegged them back.

Moussa Djenepo should have put Southampton ahead midway through the first half, but he skied Tino Livramento's low cross from six yards out. The Mali international spurned another opportunity from close range moments later as the crowd began to turn on the home side.

Jacob Murphy flashed a free-kick just over the bar as Newcastle went in search of an opener against the run of play, with Alex McCarthy denying Callum Wilson with an instinctive save from a corner on the verge of half-time.

Newcastle carried their attacking intent into the second half with Saint-Maximin firing into McCarthy's side-netting after the break. Their visitors responded by going up the other end and threatening again through Djenepo, whose effort curled just wide.

But it was Steve Bruce's side who took the lead when Murphy's header at the back post was directed perfectly into the path of Wilson to tap in.

Southampton found an equaliser with 20 minutes remaining, with Mohamed Elyounoussi firing home from Nathan Redmond's cross.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's side went in search of a winner, but were caught on the counter in the dying embers of the game. Saint-Maximin led Newcastle up the pitch and found Joelinton, who cut back inside to tee up Ryan Fraser. The Scot's shot was cleared off the line, but his French teammate was on hand to blast in the rebound.

The drama wasn't over there, though. With seconds remaining, Jamaal Lascelles brought Adam Armstrong down in the box, and after a VAR check, Southampton were awarded a penalty. James Ward-Prowse netted the resulting spot kick to snatch a point.


Newcastle United player ratings

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Schar picked out Murphy with a wonderful pass for Newcastle's opener | Michael Regan/Getty Images

Freddie Woodman (GK) - 6/10 - While Southampton had plenty of the ball in attacking areas, Woodman had little to do, but made no mistakes when called upon. Couldn't do too much about either goal.

Fabian Schar (CB) - 6/10 - Incredible weighted ball in the build-up for Wilson's goal.

Jamaal Lascelles (CB) - 2/10 - Found it tricky playing out of Southampton's press and had a nightmare finish when he brought down Armstrong.

Federico Fernandez (CB) - 5/10 - Caught higher up once or twice but generally an okay game.

2. Midfielders & Wing-backs

Murphy had a busy afternoon | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Jacob Murphy (RWB) - 6/10 - Bruce has been trying to get Murphy to play like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Kieran Trippier. Paid off today with an assist but was skinned by Redmond for the equaliser.

Sean Longstaff (CM) - 5/10 - Did little of note, which isn't necessarily a compliment for a midfielder.

Joe Willock (CM) - 6/10 - Will definitely be among the goals this season with his late runs and energy. A fine game on his St. James' Park return.

Miguel Almiron (CM) - 6/10 - Plenty of energy and technique but couldn't impose himself on the game hugely.

Matt Ritchie (LWB) - 5/10 - Caught out at the back post for Elyounoussi to bundle in the Saints equaliser.

3. Forwards

Callum Wilson scores goals | George Wood/Getty Images

Allan Saint-Maximin (CF) - 8/10 - A live-wire all afternoon, unlucky not to grab an assist or two in addition to his goal.

Callum Wilson (CF) - 7/10 - Strong on the ball and a menace off it.

4. Substitutes

Joelinton (CF) - 7/10 - Superb work for what he must have thought was going to be the winner.

Ryan Fraser (RW) - 6/10


Southampton player ratings

5. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Livramento was Southampton's standout player | Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Alex McCarthy (GK) - 7/10 - A couple of decent stops, putting his error against Man Utd behind him.

Tino Livramento (RB) - 8/10 - Fearless. Southampton's most exciting player and he's a right-back.

Jack Stephens (CB) - 5/10 - Not horrendous but hardly a shining light.

Mohammed Salisu (CB) - 7/10 - Usually came out on top in his duels with Saint-Maximin and Wilson.

Kyle Walker-Peters (LB) - 6/10 - Made his professional debut at St. James' Park four years ago and was named man of the match. Not quite as good today.

6. Midfielders

Elyounoussi scored the equaliser | Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Moussa Djenepo (RM) - 6/10 - Spurned Southampton's best chances of the game at 0-0, but was at least a huge threat when in possession.

Oriol Romeu (CM) - 5/10 - Had a nosebleed every time he stepped into the Newcastle half.

James Ward-Prowse (CM) - 7/10 - Some decent passes and reverse balls in addition to his set piece deliveries. Nerves of steel from the spot.

Mohamed Elyounoussi (LM) - 7/10 - Quiet for the most part, but kept marauding and switching flanks, grabbing a goal for his efforts.

7. Forwards

Adams worked his socks off | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Che Adams (CF) - 4/10 - Dropped deep to collect the ball but didn't do much with it.

Adam Armstrong (CF) - 4/10 - The only Geordie on the pitch ensured that Newcastle fans went home miserable. Did next to nothing for most of the game, mind.

8. Substitutes

Nathan Redmond (LM) - 7/10 - Made mincemeat of Murphy for the equaliser. Chewed him up and spat him up.

Armando Broja (CF) - N/A

Ibrahima Diallo (CM) - N/A


Source: 90min