Schar's Red Card Spurs Newcastle To Victory Against Southampton In Premier League Opener

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Eddie Howe believes Fabian Schar's early red card played a crucial role in Newcastle United's 1-0 win over Southampton. Joelinton's goal just before halftime secured the victory at St James' Park. Despite playing with ten men for over an hour, Newcastle managed to hold off Southampton, with Lewis Hall making a crucial clearance to deny Adam Armstrong.

The Magpies' fourth consecutive Premier League win against the Saints came despite having only 22.3% possession and taking just three shots compared to Southampton's 19. Howe acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, "The result is unbelievable for us, but how we got there was very, very difficult." He noted that the sending off changed the game completely.

Howe praised his team's defensive efforts, highlighting their ability to block shots and cover space effectively. "To a man, we were blocking shots, we were covering space very well," he said. The team had focused on improving their defensive shape during pre-season after conceding too many goals last season.

Schar was dismissed for violent conduct after an altercation with Ben Brereton Diaz, who appeared to fall easily. Howe commented on the incident: "Contact was minimal. It was a harsh sending off, but we'll learn from it." He added that while a red card might not typically help a team, it did inspire the crowd and galvanise the players.

Howe also mentioned the importance of fan support during challenging moments. "We had our backs to the wall and I think [the fans] knew how much we needed them," he said. The crowd's energy helped motivate the team to maintain their lead despite being a man down.

Bruno Guimaraes' Leadership

Stand-in captain Bruno Guimaraes received special praise from Howe for his performance in midfield. With Kieran Trippier on the bench, Guimaraes led by example with impressive stats: 12 duels won, six fouls won, and four tackles won. "He was immense today," Howe said of the Brazil international.

Howe also commended Sean Longstaff and Joelinton for their contributions alongside Guimaraes. "I thought Sean [Longstaff] and Joelinton were equally good," he remarked. Their combined efforts helped Newcastle secure a hard-fought victory.

The match highlighted Newcastle's ability to overcome adversity and showcased their defensive improvements. As they continue their Premier League campaign, maintaining this resilience will be key to their success.