Key man’s future in doubt: Three things learned about Newcastle in draw v Southampton
Hayden proves Benitez’s doubters right
It was a huge surprise when the team sheet came out and Hayden’s name was there in place of Mikel Merino’s, but he repaid his manager’s faith with a sublime strike to give the Magpies the lead.
However he carried out his defensive responsibilities as well as he did those further up the pitch, hassling and harrying the Southampton midfield as he looked to disrupt the tempo.
Lining up alongside Jonjo Shelvey, it was a return to the midfield duo which saw Newcastle secure the Championship title, and it looks as though the duo will have no problems replicating their displays in the top flight.
Click ‘3’ below to see the second thing we learned in the win over Southampton