Joelinton nets winner as 10-man Newcastle open season with Southampton victory

Joelinton fired 10-man Newcastle to an opening day Premier League victory over promoted Southampton on an eventful afternoon at St James’ Park.

The Brazilian’s 45th-minute strike secured a 1-0 win for the Magpies, who played with a numerical disadvantage for more than an hour after Fabian Schar was sent off after thrusting his head at Saints debutant Ben Brereton Diaz.

Russell Martin’s visitors, who were the better team even before the Switzerland defender’s dismissal, left Tyneside having learned a harsh lesson about life in the top flight as they failed to make the most of a gilt-edged chance to launch their campaign in style.

The home side, who looked rusty as an attacking force, defended manfully, but know they will have to be significantly better if they are to prosper in the months ahead, and their need for defensive reinforcements – Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi remains frustratingly beyond their grasp – has become more pressing with Schar’s impending suspension.

Southampton eased their way into the game with Joe Aribo and Brereton Diaz figuring prominently, and they had a 10th-minute Jack Stephens strike ruled out for offside.

The Magpies’ high press was forcing the Saints to be brave in possession and they dealt with it impressively in the early stages, and Lewis Hall needed to make a timely interception to prevent Brereton Diaz’s 18th-minute cross from doing any damage after he and Aribo had broken at pace.

Former Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong whipped a shot from distance over Nick Pope’s crossbar with the visitors enjoying the better of the game as the Magpies misfired.

But the match exploded into controversy with 28 minutes gone when Brereton Diaz barged into Schar before the pair went head-to-head