Saints couldn't have had a better start yesterday, with James Beattie thumping a great reactive shot in off the post. Beattie impressed yesterday, getting wide to create space and chances for his teammates as well as being as involved as possible in the middle, holding the ball up and getting in on goal. It's just a shame that some of his teammates were far from their best.
Saints were outclassed by Newcastle's youngsters, guided by the experience and class of Alan Shearer. Saints never looked like hanging on to their lead after 20 minutes, let alone coming away with a point. Newcastle's goals , the second by Hughes on the right, were the deserved results of good passing moves and Saints inability to handle the skills of Viana and Dyer.
It could have been a bigger win for Newcastle as Alan Shearer (pictured left) was clearly brought down by Saints 'keeper Niemi. Shearer was understandably upset by the decision which led to him receiving a yellow card.
Wayne Bridge, also pictured right, had a poor game. He was easily beaten by Kieron Dyer for Newcastle's opener and failed to create anything going forward. Bridge was not alone however, with Michael Svensson struggling after some very decent recent performances and Jason Dodd looking off the pace. In the midfield only Chris Marsden can come away with any credit as he at least tried to marshall the midfield.
Fabrice Fernandes, so often a real attacking threat for Saints of late, had a poor game as Saints found themselves losing control of the middle third of the pitch. Saints seemed unable to provide any creativity up front against a technically superior Newcastle side. On a positive note, the lesson yesterday will only improve players such as Michael Svensson and Fernandes. Anders Svensson's lack of defensive bite made him a bit of a liability considering Newcastle's dominance. Rory Delap could well have been a better option in hindsight.