In what was an excellent game at St. James’ Park today, when both sides came back from being behind and drew 2-2, and it would have been pity if any of these two sides had lost the game.Both sides played good attacking football and were well matched.
On 25 minutes Southampton went ahead when a right wing cross was easily headed home by Pelle, and that goal came against the run of play as Newcastle had opened the game brightly and on the front foot.
Both sides were passing the ball around well and then after 42 minutes it was Cisse who scored after a great left wing cross from Haidara eluded the goalkeeper, and Cisse was there to out the ball into the back of the net.
It was 1-1 at half time and both sides were applauded off the field after a good entertaining first 45 minutes of the season.
Newcastle got off to a great start in the second half when Gabby Obertan put in a great right wing cross on the run, and it was Gini Wijnaldum who brilliantly headed the ball home on his debut for Newcastle.
But Southampton were always in this game and they were very dangerous and came full pelt at Newcastle.
And after a lot of pressure on the Newcastle defense it was substitute Shane Long from a right wing cross who headed home past Krul with just 11 minutes to go to make it 2-2.
After that goal it was the Saints who were pressing for the winner late on, and in added time Mane was straight though on goal after a great run, but shot wide.
A draw was the right result in this game.
Newcastle fans will have seen enough today that we will play some good passing football but in truth our defense still looked the weakness today.
Mbemba was really steady and strong at the back and Wijnaldum is pure class.
Aleksandar Mitrovic came on with 15 minutes to go and picked up a yellow card almost immediately for a wild tackle – but that was the adrenaline obviously.
But it was a good performance from this new Newcastle team against a side who will again finish high up in the Premier League table.
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