Newcastle player ratings v Southampton: 26-year-old facing the axe after horror show
Mikel Merino – 6
A surprise omission from the starting XI having turned his loan deal into a permanent one recently, he was given half an hour of game time by Benitez, replacing Ayoze Perez.
Offered the same energy in the midfield as always, and frustrated the Southampton players, but did not really affect much in the final third.
Dwight Gayle – 6
It looks as though Gayle is going to be used as an impact sub this season, as he uses his pace to threaten defences worn down by Joselu.
However Southampton’s desire to get a winner outmatched that of Newcastle’s, and he cut a lonely figure up front for the majority of his outing.
Benitez really needs to work on the team’s tactics when the front man comes on, balls still being floated in from the flanks despite Gayle’s evident lack of physicality.
Jacob Murphy – N/A
A replacement for Christian Atsu, the former Norwich man was given just 10 minutes to continue to try and prove himself in the Premier League.
In reality he saw mere seconds of football as Southampton pushed for a winning goal, but his passing seemed on point and he worked well with those around him.
In other Newcastle United news, fans were left raging after Benitez made this decision against the Saints.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Newcastle United breaking news