Home favorite Newcastle ended up on the upswing already in the 28th minute against Southampton.
Center back Fabian Schär was sent off after headbutting Brereton Diaz, in response to being pushed.
Despite that, Newcastle managed to take the lead through Joelinton. Swedish national team star Alexander Isak took advantage of a mistake in the away team’s defense before serving his attacking colleague in the penalty area.
The goal was the only one of the match and thus last year’s seventh team has had a tasty start to the season.
Last spring, Southampton went up to the Premier League after defeating Leeds in the playoffs.
The big clubs delivered
The expected top teams Liverpool and Arsenal also won their opening matches on Saturday.
The former won away against newcomers Ipswich 2–0 and Arsenal won by the same numbers at home against Wolves.
Premier League
Newcastle United
1 – 0
Southampton