Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin masterclass for Newcastle United – here's Miles Starforth's player ratings
The Magpies dominated, were awarded and missed their first penalty of the season, saw an opposition player sent off for the first time in 14 months and climbed EIGHT points clear of the top flight relegation zone.
But how did United’s players rate down on the south coast? Here’s NUFC writer Miles Starforth’s player ratings at the end of a BIG week for United.
5. Florian Lejeune - 6
Recalled to the starting XI and competed well for much of the game. Photo: Richard Heathcote
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6. Matt Ritchie - 5
Booed by home fans for his previous association with their rivals Swindon, conceded free-kick for Oxford’s first goal. Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. Nabil Bentaleb - 6
Neat and tidy on the ball for most of the game, looked sharper, fitter. Photo: Richard Heathcote
8. Matty Longstaff - 6
Got around the pitch and snapped into a series of tackles, didn’t stop running for 120 minutes. Photo: Catherine Ivill