Newcastle United's three best players against Southampton

And breathe. There was late drama galore as Newcastle drew 2-2 with Southampton.

Having thought Allan Saint-Maximin’s goal had won the game, the late draw feels like a defeat.

Amid the disappointment at an mixed performance, there were a handful of good performances from Newcastle United’s players.

Here is a look at three players who stood out for the right reasons…

Newcastle United v Southampton - Premier League — Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images

Jacob Murphy

Murphy set up Callum Wilson’s opening goal, after a fantastic surge to the back post and a cute cushioned header.

Newcastle look better when Murphy romps forward from right wing-back.

His defending isn’t perfect, and there are times when it’s clear he’s a winger by trade.

But his energy and drive were important to Newcastle, especially in the first half when the team performance was poor overall.

Callum Wilson

Wilson looked sharp in the first half, even as others toiled around him but he just didn’t get much service.

But he grabbed his goal expertly when the chance came his way and sent St James’ Park wild.

He came off early with a knock and at that point, Newcastle dropped deeper and invited pressure.

Hopefully that injury is nothing serious because Wilson transforms this Newcastle attack, even when he doesn’t see much of the ball.

Allan Saint-Maximin

The Frenchman wasn’t at his best, but he was still one of the brightest players in the first half.

And he thought he’d made a match-winning contribution when he scored from close range in stoppage time.

There’s still an argument to suggest he’s better on the wing and another formation could get more out of him.

But even when he’s not at his peak, he’s still one of the best players on the pitch and nine times out of ten, he would have been the matchwinner here.

Match Coverage

Newcastle United’s three best players against Southampton

Jacob Murphy

Callum Wilson

Allan Saint-Maximin