Shane Long saves point for Southampton against Newcastle United

Newcastle United will looking to make full use of their home advantage when Southampton visit St James’ Park on Sunday in the opening round of Premier League fixtures.

Another new signing, Aleksandar Mitrovic, may be more problematic.

The new Newcastle player was captain of PSV last season and led his team to their first title since 2008.

“Wijnaldum, what a terrific goal, he’s joined us late and I thought the team overall were very good”.

“It was interesting to see Mitrovic was true to his word and quick to show he can handle the physical side of the Premier League“.

Lee Ryder is the chief sports writer for the Newcastle Chronicle, and follows Newcastle from academy to first team. It would have been a travesty if we had lost.

“I know that there are two players behind me who want to play”.

McClaren conceded:”If he’d got a red we would have had no complaints”. Krul got his hand to the ball, but was unable to keep it out.

The Frenchman is a very gifted footballer who is at his best when in high gear. It seems like only yesterday and not almost 3 months ago that Newcastle United Supporters (including myself) were on the edge of their seats nervously watching whether they would be relegated with their last day of the season match against West Ham United. But Mike Ashley took a punt on him.

One of the areas Tadic and his Southampton team-mates will be focused on this weekend is using possession better.

It was the highlight of WIjnaldum’s Premier League debut, as the Dutch global impressed with an attacking display.

While Wijnaldum is set to start against the Saints, McClaren is unlikely to risk either Mitrovic or Mbemba from the start, due to their relative lack of match fitness.

Southampton’s Shane Long, right, scores his goal past Newcastle… It worked.

The hosts were punished again when substitute Shane Long rose above a lead-footed Daryl Janmaat to convert Dusan Tadic’s cross with a meaty finish.

Both Southampton’s goals came from headers, exposing a weakness at the heart of the defence where debutant Chancel Mbemba’s excellent passing and tackling were counter-balanced by failings in the air.

“On behalf of The FA and especially the goalkeeping department, I would like to thank Simon for his contribution over the last eight years”, said Martin Thomas, The FA’s national goalkeeping coach. By the 20-minute mark Southampton had committed eight fouls to Newcastle’s one. He also ensured he had a strong pre-season too; netting twice in the win against Barcelona. So what do they need to do this season?

Talk of a new contract for Sissoko isn’t surprising despite him having four years still to run. The only gripe from the Toon Army was the way in which Newcastle defended. I’m a striker. I need to be in the right place every time.

Newcastle’s Jonas Gutierrez, Fabricio Coloccini and Moussa Sissoko. There is genuine promise in McClaren’s squad on this early evidence and he believes they can build on their display.