Newcastle ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Southampton through Joelinton’s fine finish despite Fabian Schar seeing red for a first-half headbutt.
Joelinton took advantage of Alex McCarthy’s howler to fire home the winner moments before half-time, when the goalkeeper’s awful pass was picked off by Alexander Isak and squared for the Brazilian to find the bottom corner.
Southampton had been the better side until that point, especially after Schar was shown a mindless red card for a coming together with Ben Brereton Diaz just before the half-hour mark.
Schar defender had been riled by Brereton Diaz’s needless shove on him moments earlier but left Craig Pawson with little option when he clearly moved his head into the Southampton man.
Fabian Schar was sent off for a headbutt on Ben Brereton Diaz before half-time
The Chilean forward had Southampton’s best chance of the half but ballooned a header from Yukinari Sugawara’s cross over the bar when well-placed.
Last season’s 21-goal forward Adam Armstrong spurned both of the visitors’ clearest opportunities after the break, first pulling a fine stop out of Nick Pope and then seeing Lewis Hall clear another goal-bound effort off the line.
But with a lead to hold onto, Newcastle showed their defensive mettle to see out victory end Southampton’s hopes of an unbeaten Premier League return and earn their fourth opening-day win in a row.
Howe: Red card galvanised Newcastle
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe claimed Schar was unfortunate to be sent off
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports:
“It was different. It wasn’t the game we wanted it to be, but with the sending off it’s how we had to make the game. We had to defend well with 10 men, defend a lot of space. It’s a big compliment to the players for how we had to win.
“I don’t think we want to see two players aggressively coming together, I think the contact is minimal and it’s a harsh red card but it’s something we’ll learn from.
“At that stage of the game, we needed something to galvanise us and in part, that did. We were free-scoring last year and we prided ourselves on that, but without the ball we had to improve and we’ve done a lot of work on our defensive shape in pre-season.
“The players regrouped mentally and produced an excellent defensive display.”
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Southampton boss Russell Martin is confident his side will be competitive in the Premier League this season
Analysis: Welcome return of Newcastle’s miserly defence
Sky Sports’ Ron Walker:
“Newcastle ended their first game of the season having faced an xG of 1.79, 19 shots and 30 crosses – but having earned a clean sheet from a stoic defensive effort.
“With a man light and a lead to sit on, Eddie Howe sent them out for the second half to defend what they had and despite a few close shaves, they earned their victory through the sheer level of their organisation and hard work.
“It was those kind of defensive performances which saw them concede only 33 goals in Eddie Howe’s first full season in charge, when they reached the Champions League just over a year ago.
“Injuries played a part in them shipping almost twice that figure last season, but they lost some of that solidity too. These are early signs, but still signs nonetheless that a return to form at the back may be on the cards.”
Analysis: Early pressure on forwards as toothless Saints miss chance
Sky Sports’ Ron Walker:
“There was so much to like about Southampton’s return to the Premier League. They competed with Newcastle both when their hosts had 10 and 11 men, their cohesion was good, they recovered from some early nerves and looked a far better unit than the side who disappeared without trace 15 months ago.
“But as so many other promoted sides have found to their cost, without goals they will struggle. There was a concern they would be toothless and it came to pass at St James’ Park, where despite racking up almost 20 shots and an xG of 1.79 they failed to find the back of the net.
“There is hope with the arrivals of Ben Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer that things will improve. But the Chile forward was particularly wasteful on his debut, while Archer has potential but four in 29 for Sheffield United last season didn’t set the world alight.”
