“He’s simply not good enough to play for Newcastle”- Lost the ball 16x, won 0 duels: Howe must now instantly drop 6/10 Newcastle star
Newcastle United pulled off an extraordinary win in their opening Premier League match of the 2024/25 season, managing to claim all three points against Southampton despite playing with ten men for nearly an hour. The game, filled with tension and drama, showcased Newcastle’s determination and resilience, setting an early marker for what could be a season filled with promise.
The match’s turning point came early when Fabian Schar received a red card in the 26th minute after a controversial decision by the referee. The sending-off forced Newcastle to reconfigure their strategy, with Eddie Howe’s men facing the daunting task of competing against a full-strength Southampton side for the majority of the game. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Magpies displayed a remarkable level of composure and tactical discipline.
Just before the halftime whistle, Newcastle seized their moment. Joelinton, who has become increasingly influential for the team, found the back of the net with a well-taken finish. The Brazilian midfielder capitalized on a rare chance, slotting the ball past the Southampton goalkeeper, much to the delight of the St James’ Park faithful. Joelinton’s goal was not just a reward for his hard work but also a crucial lifeline for his team, giving them something to defend as they headed into the second half.
The second half saw Southampton ramp up the pressure, launching wave after wave of attacks as they sought an equalizer. Newcastle, however, were steadfast in their defense, with every player working tirelessly to protect their slender lead. The Magpies were under the cosh, with Southampton dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, but Newcastle’s backline held firm. It was a gritty, determined display that highlighted the team’s mental toughness and ability to grind out results under difficult circumstances.
As the final whistle blew, the sense of relief and joy among the Newcastle players and fans was palpable. Securing a win in such challenging conditions will undoubtedly boost confidence within the squad and among supporters. Starting the season with a victory, especially under such adversity, sends a strong message to the rest of the league that Newcastle United are a force to be reckoned with.
However, while the result was positive, the performance was far from flawless, and Eddie Howe will likely have several concerns to address. One of the key areas of concern was the performance of Lewis Hall, who struggled throughout the match. Hall, who started on the left side of Newcastle’s back four, found himself out of his depth against Southampton’s attackers. Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz, in particular, caused him numerous problems, exploiting his inexperience and defensive lapses.
Statistically, Hall’s performance was disappointing. He was dribbled past on three occasions, failed to win any of his seven contested duels, and lost possession 16 times during his time on the pitch. These numbers reflect a player who was not up to the pace of the game and struggled to cope with the intensity of Premier League football. Additionally, Hall’s passing was below par, completing just 12 of his 20 attempted passes, which equates to a pass success rate of 60%—far below the standard required at this level.
Despite these struggles, Hall did have one notable contribution, clearing an Adam Armstrong shot off the line to prevent what looked like a certain goal. However, this moment of defensive heroism was overshadowed by his overall performance, which left much to be desired. Newcastle World rated his performance a 6/10, a score that reflects his difficult afternoon on the pitch.
Looking ahead, Eddie Howe now faces a decision regarding Hall’s place in the starting lineup for Newcastle’s next match against Bournemouth. With Fabian Schar likely to miss the game due to suspension, Howe’s defensive options are limited. Dan Burn, who has been covering at center-back due to injuries within the squad, is unlikely to be shifted to left-back, meaning Hall’s position is under scrutiny.
Matt Targett emerges as the most obvious candidate to replace Hall. Targett, who was sidelined for much of last season with a hamstring injury, made only seven appearances during the 2023/24 campaign. Despite his limited game time, Targett is a seasoned Premier League player with the experience and defensive acumen that Newcastle might need. If fully fit, he could provide a more reliable option at left-back as Newcastle look to build on their opening-day success.
Another potential, though unconventional, solution could be moving Kieran Trippier to left-back. Trippier, Newcastle’s first-choice right-back, played on the left side during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. While this would not be a natural position for Trippier, his versatility and experience could make him a viable option if Howe decides to shuffle his defense. However, this would likely be a last resort, as it would mean disrupting the balance of the right side of Newcastle’s defense.
Despite the concerns and the areas that need improvement, Newcastle United’s ability to secure a win in such challenging circumstances is a testament to the team’s character and determination. The victory, while narrow and hard-fought, provides a solid foundation as they move forward into the season. The focus now shifts to their upcoming fixture against Bournemouth, where Newcastle will aim to continue their winning momentum and iron out the wrinkles in their performance.
For Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, the challenge will be to maintain the team’s confidence while making the necessary adjustments to improve their overall play. The victory over Southampton, achieved against the odds, will be remembered as a statement of intent from Newcastle United—a declaration that they are ready to compete and thrive in the Premier League, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
