Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe was delighted by his side's "perfect response" in their 3-1 Premier League comeback win away at Southampton.

The Magpies saw their six-game winning streak in league action ended via a shock 4-1 home loss to Bournemouth last weekend and they faced an early setback on the South Coast as Jan Bednarek headed the hosts in front on 10 minutes.

However, despite the pressure on Howe and his players, their reaction was instant. Alexander Isak returned to the goal trail in style with two goals before the break to put the visitors in front.

Isak's failure to score against Andoni Iraola's side at St. James' Park in his last outing meant an end to his push for a Premier League record after his consecutive goals record ended at eight league games.

That blip did not dent his confidence though, as the Swedish international brought Newcastle back to life in this match, and elevated himself up to 17 league goals so far this season.

Sandro Tonali's second-half strike ensured a full turnaround for Howe's travelling side and the former Bournemouth boss claimed that gritty resilience was vital in moving his team up to fifth place in the Premier League table.

"It was a tough game, as we knew it would be. Southampton came out quickly and scored, so that changed the dynamic of the game. We needed to really dig deep, it was a big test of our character, especially after what happened last week [against Bournemouth]," said Howe.

"We needed a big response, and we got that with the penalty, so we never looked back.

"I'm so pleased for Isak [to score again] He was the conduit for us in this game, he was the guy linking play and then on the end of bits and pieces. He took the second goal really well and it was a great move from the team. I'm delighted with him, delighted for the group. It's a big win for us."

Next up for Howe is a home clash with Fulham next weekend, followed by a crunch EFL Cup semi-final second leg at home to Arsenal with the Magpies holding a 2-0 advantage, as they aim for a second final appearance in the competition in three years.

Another loss means Southampton have now lost all six of Ivan Juric's Premier League games in charge, as they remain rooted to the foot of the table with just six points overall, and a ten-point gap to safety. 

Saints face a monumental challenge to try and remain in the top-flight next season, but Juric admitted at full-time that he could not ask anything more of his players, as they simply came up short against a superb Newcastle reaction.

"Today my guys gave everything they have. They are fighting well, playing well, creating chances. Of course, Newcastle were the better team. I don't have many negative things to say to my guys," he said.

"The situation is really bad, but I want to fight and create something here. I saw some good moments from the team today. But, we have to understand really well which players are ready for the Premier League."

Southampton head to fellow relegation battlers Ipswich Town next weekend, as they look for a first away win of the league campaign, with the unwanted record of the lowest-ever Premier League points total still on the cards for Juric [currently held by Derby County's 11 points from 2007-08].