Mark Hughes reacts to Newcastle’s performance against Southampton

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Southampton and Newcastle United played out a goalless draw at St Mary’s on Saturday.

In comments reported by the Chronicle, Mark Hughes appears to have criticised Newcastle’s tactics as the Magpies earned a point from their trip to Southampton on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez’s side went into the game looking for their first win of the season in the Premier League. Newcastle were bottom of the table heading into the clash, but could have moved to within one point of the Saints with a victory.

However, a disappointing affair ended in a stalemate that also leaves Hughes’ men still looking for their first home victory this term. And after the full-time whistle, the Southampton boss seemed to lay the blame at their opponents’ door for the drab encounter.

“Newcastle came here for a point. Every time we tried to press they were looking to knock balls behind us and trying to turn us round. We had to keep starting over,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.

The home side certainly came closest to finding the back of the net. Southampton had 22 attempts on goal, while Newcastle managed to put none of their six shots on target.

The Magpies have now only scored in one of their previous five games. It is obviously a very alarming start for Benitez’s men, and they now face two of the in-form sides in the division.

Watford and Bournemouth both travel to St James’ Park before the next international break. And unfortunately, on current showing it would probably not surprise many of the long-suffering Newcastle fans if their winless run remained ongoing when they travel to Burnley towards the end of November.