Newcastle United responded emphatically to their recent setback with a 3-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s, thanks to a brilliant performance from Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker was the star of the show, scoring twice in quick succession to help Newcastle recover from an early deficit and take a commanding lead. The win is a crucial one for Eddie Howe’s side, as they aim to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
Southampton, despite their ongoing struggles near the foot of the Premier League table, started the game brightly and took the lead in the 9th minute. James Bree delivered a precise cross from the right, and Jan Bednarek rose above the Newcastle defenders to head the ball past goalkeeper Nick Pope. The goal was a rare moment of quality for Southampton, who have been plagued by inconsistency this season, but it gave them an early advantage that they were determined to hold onto.
However, Newcastle responded quickly, showing the resilience and quality that has been a hallmark of their season so far. The equalizer came in the 26th minute, when Isak was brought down in the box by Southampton’s Joe Aribo. The referee initially waved away the penalty appeals, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and Isak stepped up to convert the spot-kick. His calm and composed finish from the penalty spot was a clear statement of intent, and it marked the first of two goals in a remarkable four-minute spell that turned the game in Newcastle’s favor.
Just minutes after scoring from the penalty, Isak doubled his tally with a brilliant piece of individual skill. Murphy, who had been a constant threat down the right, picked out Isak with a perfectly weighted through ball. The striker controlled it expertly, took a touch to steady himself, and then curled the ball past Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who was standing in for the injured Aaron Ramsdale. The goal was a testament to Isak’s clinical finishing and his ability to be in the right place at the right time, making it 2-1 to Newcastle.
The visitors weren’t done there, and they sealed the win in the 51st minute with a third goal that was as much a result of teamwork as individual brilliance. Isak was involved once again, chesting the ball down to Gordon, who then played a beautifully weighted pass to Tonali. The Italian midfielder, who had been excellent throughout the match, made no mistake with his finish, calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner to give Newcastle a 3-1 lead. It was a well-executed move that showcased the fluid attacking play that has been a feature of Newcastle’s game this season.
While Newcastle were in control for the majority of the match, Southampton did have their moments, particularly in the second half. Early in the second period, Taylor Harwood-Bellis came close to scoring with a bicycle kick that flew just wide of the post. The hosts were also denied a late goal when Mateus Fernandes thought he had scored a composed finish, only for replays to show that he had been offside when he started his run. The disallowed goal was a blow to Southampton’s hopes of a comeback, and it summed up their season, where moments of promise have often been followed by disappointment.
Despite their best efforts, Southampton’s lack of cutting edge in the final third and their tendency to give the ball away cheaply ultimately cost them. Their defensive frailties were exposed by Newcastle’s clinical attack, and the inability to convert their chances, coupled with the disallowed goal, meant they were unable to mount a serious challenge for a point. The defeat leaves Southampton in a perilous position near the bottom of the table, with their hopes of survival becoming increasingly slim.
For Newcastle, the victory was a much-needed response after their 4-1 loss to Bournemouth in the previous game, where Isak had failed to register a shot from open play. Howe had called for a reaction from his players, and they delivered in style. Isak’s two goals were the standout moments, but the overall team performance was impressive. Anthony Gordon, in particular, was a constant threat with his pace and creativity, while Murphy was involved in both of Isak’s goals and came close to scoring himself with a shot that hit the post. Joelinton, as usual, was a nuisance in midfield, breaking up Southampton’s attacks and contributing to Newcastle’s overall dominance.
