EPL: Southampton Tops Table Since 1988 After Victory Against Newcastle

Southampton moved into first place in the EPL table after a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Friday night.

AllNews understands that this is the first time Southampton leads the table since 1988 and Theo Walcott had a perfect night as the 31-year-old was playing his first home game for Southampton since leaving the south coast club to join Arsenal as a teenager in 2006.

Southampton swarmed all over Newcastle from the start and it took them only seven minutes to open the scoring field.

READ ALSO: Southampton's Ward, Adams Destroy Everton's Unbeaten Run

Adams forced a flying save from Karl Darlow but the visitors failed to clear the danger and when Miguel Almiron lost possession to Theo Walcott, former England forward teed up Adams to crash an unstoppable volley into the net.

The TECHNIQUE on this from @CheAdams_ ? pic.twitter.com/LBJRFRnpey

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 7, 2020

Walcott, on a season-long loan from Everton, was at the heart of Southampton's best moments and was inches away from doubling his side's lead moments before halftime when his curling effort flew just wide of the post.

Walcott could have had a penalty before Armstrong wrapped up the points with a low finish.

The margin of defeat flattered Newcastle who offered next to nothing as an attacking force.

Southampton's fifth league win of the season, having lost their opening two games, moved them up to 16 points from eight games and above champions Liverpool on goal difference.

Newcastle is now in the 11th spot on 11 points.

This time last year, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl's job looked on the line after a 9-0 thrashing at St Mary's by Leicester City – a record away win in the English top-flight.

But the transformation with virtually the same squad has been outstanding and Southampton does not look out of place on top of the Premier League for the first time.

They were without leading scorer Danny Ings, who underwent knee surgery after being injured in last week's win over Aston Villa, but it did not blunt their attacking threat.

A special homecoming ❤️

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 7, 2020

"It's a fantastic achievement and honour to be part of it, this is where it all started for me," Walcott told Sky Sports.

"We work hard for each other and we are there because of our performances. It was a worry at 1-0 because we had dominated so much. But Stuart getting the goal was much deserved.

"I've got some great memories here but I want to make some new ones."

"How does it feel to be top of the #PL, boss?" ?

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 6, 2020

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl heaped praises on the saints' players, "I am happy for the fans, it is a good moment for the fans even if it is only for tonight, it is ok".

He added, commenting on last season's performance, "last year we have negative history but this year we have positive moments".