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Newcastle 1-0 Southampton: Magpies look flat as they host Saints until Joelinton cracker and Fabian Schar red spark season opener at St James' Park to life

In a fourth season of Saudi-led ownership, the first substitution made by Newcastle United was Emil Krafth for Jacob Murphy – two players bought by Mike Ashley for Steve Bruce and Rafa Benitez.

That is not a slight on either player. Murphy has revived his top-flight career under Eddie Howe and was a worthy starter. Krafth came on when Fabian Schar was sent off after half an hour and played a part in seeing home a hardy 1-0 win.

But the change served to highlight where the club is at, especially on a day usually reserved for excitement and anticipation around new signings.