Newcastle 3-1 Southampton: Player ratings as Wilson double inspires Magpies

Callum Wilson's brace helped Newcastle roar back from a goal down to beat Southampton 3-1 at St James' Park on Sunday.

The hosts were full of verve and energy throughout the game, but fell behind five minutes before half-time as Stuart Armstrong scored against the run of play.

Wilson's introduction for Anthony Gordon, who spurned a glorious chance in the first 45 minutes, turned the game back in Newcastle's favour, and he continued his hot streak in front of goal by turning home Alexander Isak's centre nine minutes after the interval.

The former Bournemouth striker then had another goal chalked off for offside - Miguel Almiron's deft flick had found him all alone in Southampton's penalty area - before Newcastle took the lead thanks to an unfortunate Theo Walcott own goal - his outstretched leg deflected Sven Botman's header from a Newcastle home.

Southampton's fighting spirit seemed to drain away after that - they tired as Newcastle continued to go from strength to strength - and Wilson again capitalised on a defensive error to make it three.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was the guilty party, harassed into misjudging a long ball over the top, and Wilson punished the former Arsenal defender's slip to round Alex McCarthy and slot into an empty net.

Newcastle now look to be nailed on qualifiers for next season's Champions League, sitting third in the table on 65 points after winning 18 of their 33 Premier League games. For Southampton and Ruben Selles, defeat here looks like curtains in their bid to avoid relegation - they are six points away from safety with just four games remaining.

Newcastle player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Nick Pope - 6/10 - Not the busiest day for one of England's undestudy goalkeepers.

RB: Kieran Trippier - 7/10 - Caught a little flat-footed by Armstrong for Southampton's goal, although the Scot's movement to get on his blindside was clever. Excellent delivery from set pieces throughout.

CB: Fabian Schar - 6/10 - Made a number of ball recoveries for Newcastle and ticked things over nicely in possession.

CB: Sven Botman - 6/10 - Not overly troubled by a Southampton frontline that lacked an out and out striker.

LB: Dan Burn - 7/10 - Made a couple of great interceptions and, despite standing 19'11, got forward in support with real confidence.

CM: Joelinton - 7/10 - Amazing the difference between this version of Joelinton and the one who first rocked up at St James' Park.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes - 8/10 - Uncharacteristically caught dawdling on the ball by Lavia, allowing Southampton to break away for the opener. Very good in possession otherwise and pivotal in Newcastle's charge.

CM: Joe Willock - 7/10 - A little down on energy compared to recent outings but by no means a poor display. Good anticipation in crucial moments.

RW: Jacob Murphy - 6/10 - Intelligent with his movement at times, dropping into the space vacated by Isak to open up passing angles and space on the wing.

CF: Alexander Isak - 8/10 - Recent comparisons to Thierry Henry don't look to be too far wide of the mark. Bursting with pace and dribbling ability, the Swede was a menace all afternoon.

LW: Anthony Gordon - 6/10 - Really lively in the opening exchanges, using his pace to good effect, but guilty of missing a glaring opportunity. Taken off at the break.

Substitutes

SUB: Callum Wilson (46' for Gordon) - 9/10 - Took just eight minutes to continue his hot streak in front of goal. Do wonder what he has to do in order to start regularly alongside Isak.

SUB: Miguel Almiron (69' for Murphy) - 6/10 - Helped Newcastle to keep up the pressure on a tiring Southampton side.

SUB: Matt Ritchie (90+1' for Isak) - N/A

SUB: Elliot Anderson (90+1' for Willock) - N/A

Subs not used: Dubravka (GK), Dummett, Targett, Manquillo, Lewis

Manager

Eddie Howe - 8/10 - The fluidity of Newcastle's play really is a joy to behold. Entertaining, high octane football with a clear plan to break down the opposition - credit to Howe and his players.

Southampton player ratings (4-4-2)

GK: Alex McCarthy - 6/10 - Very little McCarthy, who replace Gavin Bazunu between the sticks, could do about any of the goals

RB: Lyanco - 5/10 - Didn't look comfortable playing on the right side of a back four - perhaps a consequence of the system constantly changing.

CB: Jan Bednarek - 5/10 - Had his hands full with Wilson and Isak and couldn't compete at the level required.

CB: Armel Bella-Kotchap - 6/10 - The better of Southampton's central defenders despite his tender years.

LB: Kyle Walker-Peters - 6/10 - A bright attacking threat early on but soon faded as Southampton's energy and desire to get forward faded.

RM: Moussa Djenepo - 6/10 - Not enough industry and creativity on the right flank.

CM: James Ward-Prowse - 6/10 - Outclassed by Newcastle's quality in midfield - would imagine it might be one of Ward-Prowse's final games on the road for Southampton.

CM: Romeo Lavia - 7/10 - The standout talent in Southampton's side pressed Guimaraes into a rare mistake, allowing the visitors to score first. Absorbed what he could but was eventually beaten by the better team.

LM: Stuart Armstrong - 6/10 - Tidy movement got Armstrong away from Trippier at the back post, but his performance level dipped after the break.

CF: Carlos Alcaraz - 6/10 - Not as influential as Southampton needed him to be in central areas.

CF: Kamaldeen Sulemana - 7/10 - Exceptionally quick and bright with his running, but became increasingly isolated as Newcastle took a stronger grip on proceedings.

Substitutes

SUB: Theo Walcott (64' for Djenepo) - 5/10 - Pretty unlucky with the ricochet that turned out to be Newcastle's winner.

SUB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (70' for Sulemana) - 5/10 - Should have done so much better with the long ball that eventually led to Wilson's second.

SUB: Adam Armstrong (70' for Lyanco) - 5/10 - Barely involved after coming on.

SUB: Mohammed Elyounoussi (70' for Armstrong) - 6/10 - Came on just as the wheels started to fall off for Southampton.

SUB: Che Adams (77' for Alcaraz) - N/A - Not enough time for Adams to make an impact.

Subs not used: Bazunu (GK), Caleta-Car, Diallo, Mara

Manager

Ruben Selles - 5/10 - Southampton were fortunate to take the lead and looked leggy and out of ideas midway through the second half. Not playing an out and out striker is always a bold move, you do wonder why Adams is not getting much of a chance with his Premier League experience.

Player of the Match: Callum Wilson (Newcastle)

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