Fans staying away as Toon toil
NEWCASTLE United go into the international break stewing over the fact they are yet to get off the mark with a Premier League victory.
Three points should have been assured when Allan Saint-Maximin swept home at the start of stoppage time.
However, an unforgivable lack of concentration handed Southampton the chance to level from the spot even later in the additional period.
Jamaal Lascelles’ lunge on Adam Armstrong was a clear spot kick and there can be no arguments with James Ward-Prowse never likely to turn down the chance to snatch a point.
On a day of raw emotions from the terraces, here are my reflections on Saturday’s game.
Supporters vote with their feet after win-less start to the season
The Magpies dished out 10,000 free season tickets in the 2019/20 campaign to bolster crowds at St James’ Park.
However, with those deals now expired there was a notable drop in the attendance against the Saints.
With just over 1,000 Southampton fans making the long journey to the North-East, the attendance was confirmed on Saturday night as 44,017. Having topped 50,000 in the opening fixture, boosted by a healthy away travelling from West Ham, some Newcastle fans may need more convincing to return to their seats than this.
The worrying statistics of two of Newcastle’s goal-getters from last season
Miguel Almiron had a great day last time United faced Southampton as he scored two goals in a 3-2 win at St James’ Park.
However, he never looked like he was going to be on the scoresheet this time around and seemed to be shackled with defensive duties as he was dropped back to midfield.
Notably, Almiron has not scored since his brace against the Saints 17 games ago and did not manage an attempt at goal this weekend.
No longer being used as a number 10 - the position in which boss Steve Bruce has previously admitted is his best - Almiron gave away four fouls and was lucky not to be booked for a late challenge in the first half.
As Newcastle found themselves pinned back in their own half Joe Willock - who grabbed eight goals last term - was another who looked frustrated and did not even manage a shot on target.
Newcastle failed to take advantage of Southampton’s rotten away form
If ever there was an opportunity to post a Premier League victory on the board this was it.
The Saints had lost SIX consecutive matches on the road and not picked up a win since March 6.
However, Newcastle, somewhat
incredibly, decided to sit back and absorb the pressure at home.
They not only let them attack at will, as the visitors created 22 goal attempts, but also left the back door wide open in stoppage time to snatch an equaliser.
With tough games ahead, United may rue dropping two important points in their own backyard.
Adam Armstrong’s unseen gesture showed the striker’s class after the final whistle
With the cameras no longer rolling and many fans heading for the exits, the Southampton players applauded their fans after the long journey from Hampshire.
However, as Armstrong left the field one young fan and his dad stayed behind to show their appreciation for the Academy product.
Armstrong made a beeline to the youngster to present him with his shirt in the Milburn Stand.
He then posted a message to wish everybody at his old Newcastle City Juniors side the best of luck ahead of their weekend Academy Cup tournament at Benwell.