Newcastle United 3-0 Southampton: Kenedy At The Double As Magpies Sink The Saints
Newcastle United romped home to a 3-0 win over Southampton at the St. James’ Park on Saturday, in matchweek 30 of the Premier League.
It took just two minutes for Newcastle to break the deadlock as on-loan winger Kenedy found the back of the net after being found by Jonjo Shelvey in the box. The Brazilian then doubled his team’s lead in the 29th minute with a simple tap-in from just a few yards away from the goal. Matt Ritchie then made it 3-0 for Newcastle United in the 57th minute, with a superb finish from the edge of the box.
With the three points, Rafael Benitez’s side moved into the 13th position in the league table and here’s how we rate the performances of the Newcastle players on the day.
Newcastle United Player Ratings
Martin Dubravka – 6/10
A quiet day in the office for the goalkeeper with the Saints hardly threatening. Made one good save to deny Josh Sims in the second period.
DeAndre Yedlin – 6.5/10
The USMNT international was a steady presence at the back for the Magpies while also getting forward regularly to support his side in the attack.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7.5/10
The Newcastle United captain was brilliant at the back. Marshalled his troops well and was unbeatable in the air, winning all of his 9 aerial duels – most by any player in the match.
Florian Lejeune – 7.5/10
The 26-year old defender was equally strong and solid at the back and together with his captain, managed to deal with whatever threat Southampton conjured up.
Paul Dummett – 7/10
The Newcastle left-back had a very good game against the Saints as he managed to nullify any threat from the Saints. He never let go of any opportunity to get forward throughout the game.
Matt Ritchie – 7/10
The Scottish winger ran at the Saints backline regularly, causing them problems, and killed the game off in the second period with a superb finish to make it 3-0.
Jonjo Shelvey – 8/10
The former Liverpool midfielder was in his elements today from the word go. Set up the opening goal for Kenedy with a lovely high ball over the top of the Saints backline and was the architect for the third goal as well. Ran the show.
Mohamed Diame – 7/10
The 30-year old complemented Shelvey nicely in the middle as he recycled possession and let his attacking teammates flourish. Made the most number of tackles (4) and interceptions (4) on the day.
Kenedy – 8.5/10
The on-loan Chelsea winger proved his worth with a brilliant attacking display on Saturday. Showed great technique and composure to score his first goal and netted the second with the simplest of finishes. Subbed off to a rousing ovation from the fans.
Ayoze Perez – 7/10
The Spaniard relished the time and space afforded to him by the Saints and always looked to drive forward. Had a tame shot saved before the break and another effort landed over the roof of the net in the second period. Was involved in the lead up to the second goal.
Dwight Gayle – 7/10
Should have scored a goal within five minutes of kick-off but couldn’t make the chance count. Had a shot saved by the Saints stopper before he showed his selfless nature to tee Kenedy up for the second goal.
Substitutes
Joselu – 6/10
Replaced Gayle for the last twenty minutes.
Christian Atsu – N/A
On for Kenedy in the 78th minute.
Mikel Merino – N/A
Came on to replace Shelvey with less than ten minutes left.