5 Takeaways from an eventful weekend in the Premier League

#4 Newcastle looks destined for the drop

Benitez's halo is slipping at Newcastle

The wind of public opinion seems to be shifting on Tyneside. While the Toon Army still blame owner Mike Ashley for the club’s malaise, manager Rafa Benitez’s halo is now slipping with each passing game.

The team’s dire displays in a snooze-fest of a match against an equally poor Southampton side is the latest in a season that has seen the Magpies struggle for form, coherence, goals and clean sheets.

After two months out with an injury, Paraguayan striker Salomon Rondon was fit enough to be named on the subs bench. Benitez started with what could probably be described as the best team Newcastle can muster at the moment.

Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame started in midfield with Japanese international Yoshinori Muto as the main striker with Ayoze Perez playing just behind. Despite this, the team was as terrible as ever with no shots on target in the entire match.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was the team’s best player, making some good saves to deny a Saints side that was more inventive and dangerous in front of goal. Newcastle has scored only 6 goals this and on the strength of this performance, they are looking set for a season-long relegation battle.