A late first-half strike from Newcastle midfielder Joelinton secured the Magpies a first win of the season, despite a controversial red card to Fabian Schar.
It was not the most convincing performance from Eddie Howe's side, but a clean sheet and promising performances all across the pitch will give the Toon confidence to push on further against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium next Sunday.
The game started evenly, with neither side particularly in rhythm for the first half an hour.
However, it was the Swiss defenders red card in the 28th minute, following an altercation with Saints forward Ben Brereton Diaz, that sparked the game into life and got the Toon supporters, who sensed injustice, into the game.
An error from keeper Alex McCarthy, allowed Alexander Isak to square for Joelinton, who finished expertly into the left corner, to give the hosts the lead just before half-time.
The second half was one way-traffic, with the visitors managing fifteen shots and 86% possession, but resolute defending, - in particular an exceptional goal-line clearance from Lewis Hall - secured Newcastle their first three points of the season.
Newcastle (4-3-3)
GK - Nick Pope - 7
The returning English goalkeeper put in a solid performance in his first competitive game at St James' Park since December 2023.
He only made three saves, but the Magpies goalkeeper's kicking was important in the second half. Despite a slight injury scare when he appeared to land awkwardly after taking a free-kick, the difference between the Englishman and Slovakia's Martin Dubravka was especially evident today.
RB - Tino Livramento - 7
Livramento started over Kieran Trippier, in what was the biggest surprise of the Newcastle line-up. He was lining up against his former club for the first time since his arrival last summer.
However, the 21-year-old certainly repaid his selection with a very solid performance, building on from his good form towards the end of the last campaign.
While his attacking output was limited due to Schar's red card and changes in tactics from Howe, he was very solid in defence, something Toon fans have become accustomed to, over the last 12 months.
CB - Fabian Schar - 3
In the first 28 minutes, Schar was secure but unremarkable, but the events in the 29th were game-changing.
After being shoved to the ground by Brereton Diaz, the Swiss international reacted angrily, shoving the Chilean forward, despite making very minimal head contact. However, this was enough for Craig Pawson to send him off, meaning he will play no part in the next three Newcastle games.
While the actions of Schar ignited those in the stands, and forcing a change in tactics, in what was an uninspiring performance for the first 30, the 32-year-old caused avoidable tension, and left his side a player short for the majority of the match.
CB - Dan Burn - 6
This was a vintage Burn performance, and it is clear to see how much more comfortable he looks in the left-centre-back position, rather than the makeshift left-back role he performed for much of the last two seasons.
Despite only making contact with the ball 30 times, he made a remarkable ten clearances, to ensure that the Magpies clean sheet remained intact.
LB - Lewis Hall - 6
Another player who, like Livramento, eventually received his chance towards the end of the last campaign, Hall was once again excellent, on the ball, but he is still prone to some poor defending at times.
However, his stand-out moment was the exceptional clearance of the line, with a brilliant sliding clearance to ensure the clean sheet remained safe.
He was subbed off in the 70th minute following a slight drop in performance, but overall a promising start to the season for the ex-Chelsea player.
CM - Sean Longstaff - 6
Newcastle's engine was once again reliable in the middle of the park. While he is not the best on the ball, his work off it largely makes up for it. His crunching tackle on Tyneside villain Brereton Diaz was among the best moments of the day for the home supporters.
His position will still be under threat when Sandro Tonali returns from his ban, but for now Longstaff continues to cover from box-to-box and is still a vital part of this Newcastle team.
CM - Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Starting the day as captain, for the first time in the Premier League, in a Newcastle shirt, the Brazilian put in a classical performance.
Known as a hard worker, but with flair on the ball, Guimaraes certainly delivered that: Covering lots of ground; winning two ground duels; being fouled six times, alongside making six well-timed tackles himself.
It is fair to say that the 26-year-old led from the front, and with Livramento continuing to impressive, keeping Trippier out of the team, long-term captaincy is not out of the equation for the Brazilian.
CM - Joelinton - 8
A monster of a performance by arguably Newcastle's most important player. The Toon looked a completely different team with him on the left side of midfield, providing energy and a constant threat in both boxes.
Scoring the games only goal in the 45th minute, with a well-placed left footed shot into the bottom left corner, he won eight duels in the middle of the park, while his six clearances relieved some pressure from the Newcastle defence.
RW - Jacob Murphy - 5
A real shame. Murphy was Newcastle's standout player during pre-season, but was sacrificed following Schar's red card. He did offer bright sparks during his short cameo.
His position still remains secure, however, and will hope he can provide more of an impact on the game in next weeks match against Bournemouth. He has the potential to be a game changer for the Magpies but will have to remain patient.
ST - Alexander Isak - 7
A somewhat unremarkable performance is a rarity for Isak, especially at St. James' Park, but take away his assist today, and it was a quiet day for the Swede.
While his assist was put on a plate for him by Saints keeper McCarthy, Isak was tidy on the ball, and offered support in defence on set pieces.
Not his best day and his uninspiring all-round display wasn't helped by a mere 22 touches, becoming isolated from the game.
LW - Anthony Gordon - 6
Just like Isak, Gordon lit up the North East with some exciting displays last term, but following a mentally exhausting Euro 2024, in which he was heavily underused, it was clear the Englishman was not up to full speed just yet.
However, he won four fouls on the left, winning five duels too as well as offering some much needed respite for his left-side partner Hall, so his performance did have some positives. We will certainly see a better side of Gordon as the season goes on.
Substitutes
Emil Krafth - 6
Despite playing over 60 minutes, the Swede touched the ball just 14 times, completing a mere two passes.
However, his defensive work was paramount to maintaining a clean sheet, six clearances, alongside two blocks showing Magpies fans that Krafth has the ability to remain at the club, even if he remains a back-up season for the rest of the season.
Lloyd Kelly - 6
N/A
Harvey Barnes - 5
N/A
