Lost the ball 16x, won 0 duels: Howe must now instantly drop poor Newcastle star
Newcastle United kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought victory against Southampton, despite being reduced to ten men for nearly an hour. In a match that tested the Magpies’ resilience, Fabian Schar’s early dismissal threatened to derail their efforts, but Eddie Howe’s side managed to hold firm and claim all three points.
The match took a dramatic turn just 26 minutes in when Newcastle’s Swiss defender Fabian Schar received a straight red card following a controversial decision by the referee. Schar’s challenge, deemed excessive by the officials, left Newcastle with a mountain to climb as they faced the prospect of playing the majority of the match with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite the setback, Eddie Howe’s men rallied, showing impressive resolve to stay competitive against a determined Southampton side.
As halftime approached, Newcastle’s resilience paid off when Brazilian midfielder Joelinton found the back of the net with a composed finish. His goal came at a crucial time, giving the Magpies a much-needed lead just before the break. Joelinton’s strike not only lifted the team but also set the tone for the gritty defensive performance that followed in the second half.
The second half saw Newcastle United under constant pressure from Southampton, who sought to exploit their numerical advantage. The Saints pushed forward relentlessly, but Newcastle’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Nick Pope and a determined backline, managed to keep them at bay.
Despite being “under the cosh,” as the saying goes, Newcastle held on to their slim lead, demonstrating the kind of defensive solidity and mental toughness that will be vital throughout the season.
One of the more concerning aspects of the match for Newcastle was the performance of Lewis Hall. Starting on the left side of a back four, Hall struggled to cope with the pace and physicality of Southampton’s attack, particularly when up against Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz.
Lewis Hall’s Performance: A Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Accurate Passes | 12/20 (60%) |
| Touches | 42 |
| Total Duels (Won) | 7 (0) |
| Possession Lost | 16 Times |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Dribbled Past | 3 Times |
Despite having 42 touches, Hall completed only 60% of his passes and was dribbled past three times. He also lost possession 16 times, a statistic that highlights his struggle to maintain control in a high-pressure environment. While he did make a crucial clearance off the line from an Armstrong shot, his overall performance left much to be desired, earning him a match rating of 6/10 from Newcastle World.
Will Lewis Hall Keep His Place?
With Newcastle’s next match against Bournemouth on the horizon, manager Eddie Howe faces a selection dilemma regarding Lewis Hall. Given his underwhelming performance against Southampton, Howe may consider alternative options at left-back.
Possible Replacements for Lewis Hall
- Matt Targett: The most straightforward option, Targett is a natural left-back who, despite being sidelined for much of last season due to injury, has the experience and defensive solidity that could stabilize Newcastle’s defense. He may be gently reintroduced into the starting lineup as he regains full fitness.
- Dan Burn: Currently filling in at center-back due to injuries, Burn is another candidate for the left-back spot. However, with Schar suspended, Burn may be required to remain in the center of defense, limiting Howe’s options.
- Kieran Trippier: An unconventional choice, Trippier played as a left-back during England’s Euro 2024 run and could be a wildcard option for Howe. Moving Trippier to the left would, however, leave a gap on the right side of defense, making this a less likely scenario unless absolutely necessary.
While the victory over Southampton may not have been the polished performance that Newcastle fans hoped for, it was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to grind out results even in challenging circumstances.
Starting the season with three points, especially after playing with ten men for the majority of the match, is a positive sign for the Magpies as they look to build momentum in the early stages of the campaign.
Eddie Howe will need to address the issues in defense, particularly the concerns around Lewis Hall’s performance, but with the depth and quality in the squad, Newcastle United will aim to continue their strong start when they face Bournemouth next week.
Read Also: Eddie Howe reacts ruthlessly to Fabian Schar red card and outlines key actions regarding an appeal
