Late Fernandez strike gives Newcastle 2-1 win over Southampton
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United's Federico Fernandez celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
(Reuters) - Centre-back Federico Fernandez smashed home a rebound two minutes from time as goal-shy Newcastle United came back from one goal down to beat visitors Southampton 2-1 in their Premier League clash on Sunday.
Coming into the tie having scored a miserly 15 goals in 15 games, Newcastle went behind when Southampton striker Danny Ings held off a defender before shooting across keeper Martin Dubravka for his fifth goal in five league games.
The home team had plenty of possession and threatened repeatedly from the flanks but it took the introduction of substitute Andy Carroll to turn the game in their favour.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
More used to attacking crosses than putting them in the box, Carroll lofted the ball in from the wing for Jonjo Shelvey to get up highest to plant the ball in at the far post and even out the scores in the 68th minute.
Roared on by the home crowd, the Magpies went looking for a winner and it came as full time approached when Sean Longstaff's shot from distance was fumbled by Alex McCarthy but Fernandez was on hand to thump the ball into the back of the net.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce credited striker Carroll, who has yet to score following his summer return to the club where he made his name, with turning things around for his side.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Southampton's Ryan Bertrand appeals for a penalty REUTERS/Scott Heppell
"The introduction of Big Andy had glimpses today of what he had 10 years ago. He looks well at the moment, big Andy Carroll coming on was a huge help," he said.
Southampton remain in the relegation zone in 18th spot with 15 points, while Newcastle go 10th in the table on 22 points, with goal-scorer Fernandez indicating that they were not done climbing yet.
"We need to enjoy this period and build a winning mentality. You never know where we can arrive at the end of the season, but we take it game by game," he said.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Scott Heppell
(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; editing by Clare Fallon)
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce and Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl REUTERS/Scott Heppell Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee SmithSoccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United's Ciaran Clark in action with Southampton's Danny Ings and Cedric Soares Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin in action with Southampton's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Nathan Redmond and Cedric Soares REUTERS/Scott Heppell Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Southampton's Danny Ings in action with Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden REUTERS/Scott Heppell Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Southampton - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - December 8, 2019 Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden in action with Southampton's Nathan Redmond Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
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