Alexander Isak scored twice as Newcastle came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Magpies were 1-0 down after Jan Bednarek’s early header but, after Isak won and converted a penalty, the Sweden striker netted a second just four minutes later with a curled finish.
Isak’s quickfire double invigorated Eddie Howe’s team and, after half-time, Sandro Tonali added a third to put the result beyond doubt.
Newcastle are now back in the Premier League’s top four, before Chelsea’s game against Manchester City later on Saturday, while Southampton remain rooted the the foot of the table.
Howe said that his side were fatigued in last week’s 4-1 home defeat by Bournemouth and the Magpies started sluggishly at St Mary’s.
Bednarek rose high to head James Bree’s cross beyond Martin Dubravka, rewarding Ivan Juric’s team for a positive start.
But after the visitors were awarded a penalty for Joe Aribo’s foul on Isak, the in-form forward converted from the spot to restore parity.
Isak nonchalantly finished from Jacob Murphy’s pinpoint pass moments later, as Howe’s side seized control.
Tonali netted early on in the second half, as the Magpies dominated, with Murphy striking the post and Isak being denied a hat-trick by Alex McCarthy – in goal for Southampton with Aaron Ramsdale injured.
Matheus Fernandes looked to have set up a grandstand finish with a late strike but it was ruled out for offside, as Newcastle took all three points back to Tyneside.
