Southampton 2 Newcastle 0: Alan Pardew worried by Magpies form

Alan Pardew admitted he is worried by Newcastle’s current form after the Magpies slumped to their third successive Premier League loss against Southampton at St Mary’s.

The Saints took the lead in the 34th minute after Rickie Lambert teed up captain Adam Lallana, who finished past Tim Krul.

Newcastle’s best chance came in the second half, when Vurnon Anita failed to beat Paulo Gazzaniga.

Gastón Ramírez then punished the visitors in the 59th minute, scoring his second goal of the season and doubling the home side’s advantage.

The Magpies are now without a win in four league games and with their injury problems mounting, Pardew is concerned about his side’s prospects for their midweek trip to Stoke City.

“We’re worried, of course we’re worried, because we are Newcastle United and we’ve really got that dressing room to take into Wednesday night,” Pardew told BBC Sport.

“It’s not like we can add four or five players from the squad into that group.

“That is our group and they have been soundly beaten today and are going to another tough place.

“We have three days to try and lift the team to try and get ready for another tough game.”

Meanwhile, Southampton manager Nigel Adkins was delighted with the victory as the Saints kept their first clean sheet of the season.

“It was a good win. We created a lot of opportunities and their goalkeeper also made a lot of saves,” said Adkin.

“It was a thoroughly deserved win and we kept a clean sheet as well. There is a growing maturity about the players. There is a momentum with us and we are playing some really good football consistently through a game.

“The standard of play, as individuals and as a team, is improving all the time.”