Southampton 1-1 Newcastle half-time ratings as Chris Wood and Jonjo Shelvey impress at St Mary's

Newcastle United remain on course to make it nine Premier League matches unbeaten as Chris Wood's brilliant header cancelled out Stuart Armstrong's opening goal for Southampton, as the two sides went in at half-time tied at 1-1.

The Magpies were forced into one change at St Mary's as Bruno Guimaraes was handed his first start for the club following his big money move from Lyon in January. Joelinton was the man who made way through injury.

United started positively but a lapse in concentration saw Southampton have the first major chance of the game. After Jonjo Shelvey lost control of the ball in midfield, Armando Broja was slid in on goal but he blazed over the bar from point blank range.

Newcastle didn't heed the warning, though, and Armstrong nodded home the opening goal with 25 minutes on the clock after he reacted quickest to Mohammed Elyounoussi's knock down.

But Newcastle hit back and Wood rose highest to meet Shelvey's wonderful cross to head home his first goal for the Magpies since his January move from Burnley.

The Saints almost regained the lead through Che Adams but the Scotland international's effort cannoned back off the crossbar and the Magpies were able to weather a late Southampton storm to go into half-time on level terms.

Here's how Lee Ryder has rated the Newcastle United players so far.

Has made a number of key blocks. May feel the cross that led to the goal should have been dealt with better.

A steady show so far.

Suffered a slight lapse for the goal but has won almost everything else in the air.

Has been down with a couple of injuries but playing through the pain barrier.

Causing a few problems from set-plays.

A tidy display in his first start.

Yet to really get going. Sent late first half