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Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong hit home when the Saints beat Newcastle United to overtake Liverpool
Southampton defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Friday to rise to the top of the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong attacked in each half at St Mary’s to seal a direct victory for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men.
The victory, Southampton’s fifth in eight games this season, takes them past Liverpool on goal difference to the top of the English top flight.
It’s the first time the Saints have been at the top of the pile at the end of a day since September 1988.
“It’s amazing what my team is doing,” Hasenhuttl said. Sky sports . “Congratulations to everyone on the field and to the team. It’s amazing.
“Everyone was at the highest level. It’s a little scary what we’re doing right now to be honest, but it’s not surprising when I see what we’re working on.
“I just told the guys in the locker room that we invested a lot in this together. We took a lot of steps forward. We are a strong team now. That is not a coincidence.”
Theo Walcott, who returned to his childhood club this summer from Everton, played a major role in Southampton’s victory by receiving an assist on the Adams goal.
Hasenhuttl was happy with Walcott’s performance, which came just days after star forward Danny Ings was ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.
“Theo gives us the runs and Che is brilliant in the area. It was important to show that also without Danny we have the quality to score,” Hasenhuttl added.
“[Walcott’s performance was] very good especially when he can turn in the red zone and go with the ball. His ending was not perfect, but the workload he puts in for us is incredible. “
Walcott, who left the Saints in 2006 to join Arsenal, said he feels rejuvenated with his return to St Mary’s.
“I have some good memories here, but I want to create some new ones,” Walcott added.
“I feel like a kid again. I just want to express myself. The coach has faith in me and in the team. I think it showed on the field.”
