5 Reasons For Newcastle Fans To Be Cheerful (And 5 To Be Fearful) After Opening Day

By Matt Smith /

4. Newcastle Missed Mike Williamson

The aerial presence was simply not good enough against Southampton. Despite Graziano Pelle being extremely talented in the air, Mike Williamson would have offered a more secure opponent for the Italian. Chancel Mbemba€™s heading ability will continue to be a concern if he is going to be paired with Fabricio Coloccini, as was demonstrated for Southampton€™s first goal. He is a like-for-like for his Argentine teammate - rather than a Mike Williamson replacement - and the pairing were disorganised throughout the match.