Southampton prepares to welcome Newcastle United to St Mary's this Saturday, and while recent history favours the Magpies, the fixture evokes a particularly sweet memory for Saints fans – a night of unbridled joy and a glimpse of what felt like the impossible. 

It was a victory that defied the odds and etched itself into Southampton folklore.

It was the 6th of November, 2020, the day after Bonfire Night, and the lingering scent of gunpowder still hung in the air. But the fireworks weren't confined to the night sky. 

On the hallowed turf of St Mary's, Che Adams, the Saints' in-form frontman, unleashed a rocket of a shot that propelled Southampton to the top of the Premier League table.

The atmosphere was electric. A palpable sense of excitement gripped the stadium as the Saints, unbeaten in their last five games, took to the field. 

This wasn't just another Friday night under the lights; it was a chance to make history.

Ralph Hasenhüttl's men, a team forged in the fires of adversity and moulded into a cohesive unit, were riding a wave of confidence. 

They had overcome Aston Villa in a thrilling 4-3 encounter in their previous outing, but injuries had forced the gaffer's hand. 

Ryan Bertrand, the ever-reliable left-back, was sidelined with a hamstring problem, paving the way for Jack Stephens to make his first start since September. 

The absence of Danny Ings, the talismanic striker, due to a knee injury, was a significant blow. 

Moussa Djenepo, recovered from a hamstring issue, was handed a start, while Theo Walcott, a prodigal son returning to his roots on loan from Everton, led the line in his 350th top-flight appearance.

Newcastle, unbeaten away from home in the league, arrived at St Mary's with a swagger. Steve Bruce's side, fresh from a 2-1 victory over Everton, boasted the dangerous Allan Saint-Maximin, a player capable of turning a game on its head with his blistering pace and trickery.

The match began at a frenetic pace, both teams eager to assert their dominance. But it was the Saints who struck first, and in spectacular fashion. 

Just seven minutes into the game, Che Adams, a player who had endured a frustrating start to his Premier League career, found himself with the ball at his feet, some 25 yards from goal. 

His initial effort, a powerful drive, was parried away by Karl Darlow in the Newcastle goal, but the danger wasn't cleared. 

Kyle Walker-Peters, a constant threat down the right flank, dispossessed Miguel Almiron, and the ball fell to Walcott. 

The veteran striker, with the vision and composure that had defined his illustrious career, laid the ball perfectly into the path of Adams, who unleashed an unstoppable right-footed shot that flew past Darlow and into the back of the net.

The stadium erupted. 

Adams, who had failed to score in his first 24 Premier League appearances, had now netted seven goals in his last 14 games. 

His transformation from a struggling striker to a potent goal-scoring threat was a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Southampton, buoyed by their early lead, continued to press forward. 

Oriol Romeu, the midfield enforcer, won possession and released Walcott, who drove towards goal before firing a right-footed effort just wide of the post. 

Newcastle, momentarily stunned, struggled to find their rhythm. 

Their first real threat came from a corner, but Jamaal Lascelles' header was tame and easily gathered by Alex McCarthy in the Saints' goal. 

McCarthy was called into action again moments later, this time denying Sean Longstaff with a comfortable save.

The game settled into a midfield battle, with both teams vying for control. 

Romeu, tasked with keeping Saint-Maximin quiet, picked up the game's first yellow card for a cynical foul on the Frenchman. 

As the half drew to a close, Southampton almost doubled their lead. 

Walker-Peters, again causing havoc down the right, found Djenepo, whose audacious flick sent Walcott clear. The former Arsenal man's shot, however, flew agonisingly wide of the post.

The second half began with Southampton on the front foot. 

James Ward-Prowse, the dead-ball specialist, delivered a dangerous corner that was met by Jannik Vestergaard. The defender's header was cleared off the line by Lascelles, denying the Saints a second goal. 

Moments later, Romeu unleashed a thunderous shot from distance that was tipped onto the bar by the impressive Darlow.

Southampton continued to press for a second goal, and they felt aggrieved when they were denied a penalty after Djenepo appeared to be brought down in the box by Jacob Murphy. Referee Peter Bankes waved away the appeals, and VAR, after a lengthy review, agreed with the on-field decision.

Newcastle, despite being second-best for much of the game, remained a threat on the counter-attack. McCarthy was called upon to make a smart save to deny Joelinton, while Saint-Maximin's pace and trickery kept the Saints' defence on their toes.

With time running out, Southampton finally put the game to bed. Stuart Armstrong, a tireless presence in midfield, dispossessed Sean Longstaff and, after a mazy run, unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Darlow and into the net. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Southampton players and fans alike.

The final whistle blew, and St Mary's erupted in a cacophony of cheers. 

Southampton had secured a famous victory. The result sent them top of the Premier League table, a feat they hadn't achieved since 1988. 

It was a night to remember, a night when the Saints soared to the summit.

As Southampton prepares to face Newcastle this weekend, the memory of that magical night in November 2020 will serve as a reminder that anything is possible. 

The Saints, despite their recent struggles against the Magpies, will be hoping to recapture the spirit of that famous victory.

The team:

Ralph Hasenhüttl opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Alex McCarthy guarding the net behind a backline of Kyle Walker-Peters, Jannik Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek, and Jack Stephens. Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse provided the steel and creativity in midfield, while Moussa Djenepo and Stuart Armstrong offered width and attacking impetus on the flanks.

 Upfront, the dynamic duo of Che Adams and Theo Walcott led the line, tasked with breaching the Newcastle defence.

On the bench, Hasenhüttl had a wealth of options at his disposal. Nathan Redmond, a player capable of changing the game with his pace and trickery, was joined by Shane Long, a veteran striker with a knack for scoring crucial goals. 

Nathan Tella, a promising young talent, offered an injection of energy and enthusiasm, while Ibrahima Diallo provided cover in midfield. Kayne Ramsay and Dan N'Lundulu, both products of the Southampton academy, were also among the substitutes, along with experienced goalkeeper Fraser Forster.