Newcastle 3 Southampton 1 – Instant United fan/writer reaction to Saturday night’s victory
Newcastle 3 Southampton 1 – Saturday 20 April 5.30pm
We asked a number of our regular writers to give us a brief instant reaction after the final whistle.
Newcastle making it six wins from seven home games, ensuring Premier League safety.
Ayoze Perez scoring his very first PL hat-trick for Newcastle United.
George Stainsby:
“Cracking first half performance.
“Perez looks so confident and has more space with Almiron around him.
“Dummett was solid and reads moves well.
“Dubravka made a stunning save in the last few minutes.
“The second half shows we need more support from the bench, and with any of the fictitious piles of cash we’re due, we have the makings of something good.
“It needs nurturing. But for the minute…
“Who’s that team we call United?!”
Jack Lacey-Hatton:
“Fully deserved today.
“Perez and Ritchie immense.
“The perfect display to cap safety.
“Three brilliant goals and the perfect defensive performance to boot.
“Howay the lads!”
Brian Standen:
“Great team performance.
“Yeah we wobbled but it matters not.
“Perez obviously man of the match.
“Rafa. We need you!!!!”
David Punton:
“Any critics of Ayoze Perez have now surely been silenced.
“A brilliant hat trick for the Spanish forward taking care of Southampton and sealing the deal on our Premier League place.
“The damage was done in the first half. United were excellent before the break.
“They ran the midfield, got in behind the Saints and Perez finished with excellent technique.
“Almiron had a much better game and should have been been clean through on goal before Ward-Prowse took him out and somehow remained on the pitch.
“It was a bit more leggy after the break and Southampton gave it a go, halving the deficit to jangle nerves before Perez popped up to divert a cushioned header into the Leazes net for 3-1. Job done.
“It was our penultimate home game of the season and maybe also Rafa’s second last game as United Manager. For goodness sake, get this man’s contract sorted.”
Paul Patterson:
“Definitely safe.
“All thanks to Rafa.
“Best wishes in whatever you do after you leave in May.”
Nat Seaton:
“We’ve passed the magical 40 point mark with a welcome hat-trick from Perez.
“Great first half performance that we didn’t manage to maintain second half but the third goal finished them off.
“Been a while since we won 3-1, I should know as it’s my match bet every game!!!
“I’m going home happy…”
Paul Patterson:
“And that ladies and gentleman will be us safe.
“Cardiff need eleven points to gazump us with only six games left.
“Well done Rafa and the lads.”
Toon Bano:
“Ayoze.
“On.
“Fire.”
Stats from BBC Sport:
Newcastle 3 Southampton 1
Goals:
Newcastle:
Perez 27, 31, 86
Southampton:
Lemina 59
Possession was Southampton 57% Newcastle 43%
Total shots were Southampton 15 Newcastle 14
Shots on target were Southampton 3 Newcastle 6
Corners were Southampton 11 Newcastle 4
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Newcastle United:
Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Schar (Fernandez 69), Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden (Diame 78), Ki, Almiron (Atsu 64), Perez, Rondon
Unused Subs:
Darlow, Shelvey, Muto, Yedlin
Crowd: 52,191(1,700 Southampton)
(Alan Shearer reacts to Newcastle 3 Southampton 1 HERE)
(Date and time finally confirmed for Newcastle v Liverpool on Saturday night – Details HERE)
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