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Opinion

Southampton 2 Newcastle 2 – Instant United fan/writer reaction to Sunday draw

6 years ago
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Southampton 2 Newcastle 2 – Sunday 15 October 2017

We asked a number of our regular writers to give us a brief instant reaction after the final whistle:

Ben Cooper:

“Hayden’s lovely goal apart, I spent most of the first half admiring Perez and Shane Long’s haircuts, they looked like a couple of extras from Goodfellas.

“Fortunately, the game got more entertaining as it went on and although both teams will probably think that they could have won it, neither did enough to do so.

“I didn’t think we played that well today, we gave the ball away far too much in midfield and had we faced better opponents we would have lost.

“That is the key for me though. We have now played Stoke, West Ham, Swansea and Southampton of the established PL team variety that the pundits bang on so much about and I fancy our chances of finishing above all of them.

“Their teams are not better than ours and they don’t work harder than ours. At this rate we can achieve a top half finish with merit.

“Two footnotes.

“I have seen enough big-headed show-pony layabouts with a bad attitude to know that Southampton need to get shot of Van Dijk in January because he is having a laugh putting in a shift like that.

“Secondly, I don’t listen to Sky Sports commentary much and banging on about Yedlin not getting booked twice for 30 minutes after it happened, or didn’t happen, is why.

“Their commentary was just a dull drone going on in the background.

“Eventually I changed to a Slovakian channel where I agreed with every word said. Perhaps. It sounded like they were enjoying it more anyway.

“Howay The Lads.”

Jamie Smith:

“Feels like points dropped after leading for so much of the game and a shocking penalty to give away by Lejeune.

“One of those where the bloke was going nowhere but a needless challenge still goes in and it proved costly as the pen was unsaveable.

“Where we are is probably a reflection of the season, subtly moving around mid-table proving too good to be sucked towards the bottom but falling short in the opportunities to reach for European places.

“So frustrating when you see how well disciplined and organised the team is and but for a couple of key additions we could really threaten to achieve something.”

Jamie Swan:

“Another good point on the road but can’t help feel a tinge of disappointment after conceding a terrible penalty.

“Southampton were huffing and puffing but going nowhere fast until that minute.

“But it’s steady away and with Yedlin very lucky not to get sent off maybe it’s the right result.

“If I’m going to nit pick…Joselu didn’t do much again, and Gayle when he came on looked like he’s been necking yards of Guinness protein shakes.

“Plus Mitro not even on the bench.

“Striker for Christmas please Santa.

“Safe journey home lads and lasses.”

David Punton:

“As a newly promoted side that is a point we’ll happily take, and yet it’s a game Newcastle probably should have won.

“It was a real shame that error for the Southampton penalty when it was 2-1. It set up a pulsating finale to the game but neither side could score a third goal.

“Raised eyebrows before the game that Merino was on the bench, but then Hayden came up with a wonderfully precise goal from long range. Perez opening his account too and it’s about time he notched.

“We’ve seen some drubbings on this ground down the years, so that was progress of sorts today.”

Anthony Stafford:

“So, 2-2 yet I feel disappointed .

“Letting shaggy from Scooby Doo score twice disappoints – both goals poor.

“What stands out is a decent shape but we play way way too far deep in our half, allowing teams way too much possession, resulting in huge balls booted up the pitch to no one in particular.

“Southampton were rubbish and we let this one slip, you could see both goals coming.

“Can’t complain but it could have been so much more.

“Good point, 11 points after a shaky start.”

Paul Patterson:

“Never knock an away point.

“It becomes an even greater point providing we beat Palace at home.”

Paul Lyon:

“The lads played well, dug in when we had to but we were always trying to win the game.

“Happy with a point and the performance.”

Nat Seaton:

“I’d have settled a draw pre-match but with leading twice I’m travelling back a little disappointed.

“Been to The Dell / St Mary’s a few times and this was unquestionably an improvement!

“Things are definitely looking up…”

Stats from BBC Sport:

Southampton 2 Newcastle 2

Goals:

Newcastle: Hayden 20, Perez 51

Southampton: Gabbiadini 49,75 (pen)

Possession was Southampton 62% Newcastle 38%

Total shots were  Southampton 12 Newcastle 19

Shots on target were Southampton 2 Newcastle 5

Corners were  Southampton 3 Newcastle 8

Referee: Kevin Friend

Newcastle United:

Elliot, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Manquillo, Ritchie, Shelvey, Hayden, Atsu (Murphy 82), Perez (Merino 63), Joselu (Gayle 68)

Unused Subs:

Darlow, Clark, Gamez, Diame

Crowd: 31,437 (Newcastle 3,200)

(Alan Shearer’s reaction to the match HERE)

(To view the player ratings and to add your own go HERE)

(Read Alan Pardew’s take on the game HERE)

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