Southampton came from behind twice to deny Newcastle United victory in a thrilling goal encounter at St Mary's Stadium, according to the Guardian. It was Isaac Hayden that struck home the opener in the 20th minute to put Newcastle ahead throughout the first half. Later on, Manolo Gabbiadini found the equalizer in the 49th minute to tie up the goal difference. A few minutes later, Ayoze Perez put the visitors on the lead with his stunner before Manolo Gabbiadini fired home again the equalizer that salvaged his side to a stalemate at full-time. Southampton is tenth with 9 points, while Newcastle United is ninth with 11 points.
Here's a recap of the match.
Southampton outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Fraser Forster (five points). Defender - Cédric Soares (6.83), Maya Yoshida (seven points), Virgil van Dijk (7.29), Ryan Bertrand (6.52). Midfielder - Dusan Tadic (6.23), Mario Lemina (eight points), Oriol Romeu (6.23), Nathan Redmond (7.32). Forward - Shane Long (6.90), Manolo Gabbiadini (7.48). Used substitutes - Sofiane Boufal (6.69), Charlie Austin (5.92), Steven Davis (6.58).
Team's strength and weakness: the Saints were effective at setting up goal bound opportunities from set pieces and long shots.
Style of play: Southampton had a high shot frequency when in possession, favored long crosses and through balls.
Newcastle United outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Robert Elliot (5.92). Defender - DeAndre Yedlin (seven points), Florian Lejeune (6.41), Jamaal Lascelles (6.39), Javier Manquillo (6.40). Midfielder - Matt Ritchie (6.73), Jonjo Shelvey (6.63), Isaac Hayden (7.61), Christian Atsu (6.33). Forward - Ayoze Pérez (7.67), Joselu (seven points).
Used substitutes - Mikel Merino (six points), Dwight Gayle (six points), Jacob Murphy (5.93).
Team's strength and weakness: Newcastle United attackers were strong at scoring, but they committed several individual stumbles.
Style of play: the Magpies showed no specific style or pattern of play throughout the match.
Most performed player in the match
Mario Lemina played well handling the midfield role for Southampton. His fine passes contributed to Southampton's responsive offensive assaults on Newcastle's box. Overall, Lemina had 86 touches in the match.
Week 9 fixtures for both club sides
Newcastle United will return to home action when they take on reinvigorated Crystal Palace on Saturday 21 October. The same day, Southampton will play host to West Brom.
