Newcastle United returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 win at bottom of the table Southampton.
The hosts took the lead via Jan Bednarek’s header but a double from Alexander Isak put Newcastle 2-1 up at half-time. Sandro Tonali then gave the Magpies breathing space with his goal in the 52nd minute.
Eddie Howe made one change from the 4-1 defeat at AFC Bournemouth with Fabian Schar coming in for Sven Botman. On the bench, Nick Pope returned after seven weeks out with a knee injury as Odysseas Vlachodimos dropped out of the squad.
Newcastle made an encouraging start to the game but fell behind in the 10th minute when a James Bree cross was headed home by Jan Bednarek. That was only the eight time the Saints have scored at St Mary’s in the Premier League this season.
Sixteen minutes later, the Magpies levelled through Alexander Isak’s penalty. It was the Swede who won the spot-kick after being brought down by Joe Aribo.
And it didn’t take long for the visitors to go in front, again through Isak as he superbly controlled a past from Jacob Murphy to slot the ball into the bottom right corner.
Newcastle went 3-1 in front almost immediately after the restart when a deft touch by Anthony Gordon put Sandro Tonali one-on-one and the Italian delivered with the finish.
Mateus Fernandes thought he’d made it 3-2 in the closing stages but following a VAR check, the Saints midfielder was flagged offside.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St Mary’s - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
5. Dan Burn - 7.5
It was no coincidence that Southampton’s opener came when the giant defender wasn’t in the box. Dealth superbly well with the 6ft7 Paul Onuachu. | Getty Images
6. Lewis Hall - 7.5
Basically looked like he was playing as a left winger with the amount of times he was able drive forward in the second-half. Back on form after an off-day last weekend. | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali - 8.5
Strolled through the game at St Mary’s. Won his battle and capped off his high level display with a well-taken goal. Superior. | Getty Images
8. Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Wasn’t at his absolute best with the ball but heavily involved in his advanced midfield role. | Getty Images