Saints 2, Newcastle 0
By Martin Rowe.
Southampton climbed out of the relegation zone after easing past Newcastle United with a 2-0 victory.
In a massively one-sided affair, Southampton were the better side creating chances throughout.
Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez forced Tim Krul into action from a set piece while Rickie Lambert rattled the woodwork when taking a free kick from a similar position.
After intense pressure, Saints made the breakthrough when a cross-shot from Nathaniel Clyne was only headed down by Shane Ferguson to Gaston Ramirez who layed the ball off to Adam Lallana who stroked the ball into the net.
Saints were at it again in the early stages of the second half when a great passing move saw club captain Lallana release Jason Puncheon who drove his cross low and hard. Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul could only parry and Gaston Ramirez mopped up to double the lead.
There was only one real opportunity for the Magpies, a cross met by Davide Santon but young goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga reacted well with a smart save.
Lots of late chances saw Jason Puncheon released before seeing his effort cannon of the base of the post whilst Jose Fonte had a header hit the bar after being left un-marked from a corner.
And the chances didn’t finish there, substitute Jay Rodriguez took one opportunity with great aplomb only to see his goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision.
But it was a day for Southampton as Alan Pardew’s return to the south coast was a sour one as the Saints go marching on.