Proud Saints boss Ronald Koeman believes his side’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle was a better win than the defeat of Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The result at St James’ Park, courtesy of a brace from Eljero Elia, lifted Saints back up to third in the Premier League after United had briefly leapfrogged them.

It came at the end of a gruelling week that has seen Saints face three back-to-back away games, and with a depleted squad thanks to a raft of injuries and players away on international duty.

However, Saints stood up to the test to record a hat-trick of away days wins over the week, much to the delight of Koeman.

Daily Echo:

He smiled: “I am very happy and very proud of everybody.

“It was a long week, a difficult week. Three games away.

“If you win games that gives players confidence, that gives players spirit what you need to win against Newcastle at home.

“In my opinion everybody was proud after the win last week against Manchester United because that’s history, that’s a great place to win. It was a long time ago (since Saints last won there).

Daily Echo:

“I think as a manager the win today was better.

“It was the third game this week, we have some injuries, but if then you keep that spirit and that belief and we didn’t start well the game. We lost some stupid balls in the beginning.

“The 1-0 gave us a lot of confidence. The team was looking very comfortable.

Daily Echo:

“Unlucky the 1-1. Unlucky. We did it by ourselves.

“The second half was more difficult, I think Newcastle was a little bit the dominant team at that point and we scored a great goal and after that good organisation, defending well. Maybe one or two situations about handball they told me, I don’t know, I don’t saw it so maybe yes maybe no.

“I am very happy about the three points.”