New boys at the double at Magpies continue to fly
Newcastle United enjoyed a fine away win on Thursday evening, winning 2-1 at in-form Southampton to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to nine games with a third victory in succession.
With Joelinton ruled out through injury, Bruno Guimaraes came into the starting eleven for the first time since his big-money move from Lyon in January and the midfielder rewarded his manager with the winning goal early in the second half.
Saints striker Armando Broja shot off target with the first real chance of the game after a slow start but the home side did deservedly edge ahead after 25 minutes when Stuart Armstrong headed past Dabruvka with the aid of a deflection off Dan Burn.
It took the Toon just seven minutes to level matters. Shelvey sent a cross into the Southampton penalty area and Chris Wood rose highest to head home his first Magpies goal, ending his 14-game goal drought in the process.
Che Adam rattled the cross bar soon after and Newcastle could probably consider themselves a little fortunate to be on level terms at half-time.
They made the most of that soon after the break when on 52 minutes Bruno adeptly steered home Dan Burn’s cushioned header with a fine flick to make it 2-1 to the visitors. The Brazilian was substituted just after the hour mark to a standing ovation from the away fans and his goal proved to be the winner as the home side failed to find a way back, Dubravka denying Armstrong an equalizer late on.
The result was a first defeat in ten matches at home for the Saints and the win lifts Newcastle to 31 points from 27 games, within 3 points of 11th-placed Crystal Palace. Eddie Howe’s team are now incredibly ten points clear of the relegation zone, a feat that seemed improbable only a few weeks ago.
Up next for Newcastle is a tough trip to European Champions Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.