Eljero Elia netted his first goal for the Saints to give them a 14th-minute lead, but Yoan Gouffran made it 1-1 before the break with a fortuitous strike.

However, Elia scored again with just under half an hour remaining as the visitors held on for the three points.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides at St James' Park.

Match statistics

NEWCASTLE
Shots: 16
On target: 3
Possession: 58%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 9

SOUTHAMPTON
Shots: 5
On target: 3
Possession: 42%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 8

Was the result fair?

This was by no means a vintage display from Southampton, but their extra quality told in the end as they did what was needed to get the points. Newcastle huffed and puffed, though some poor finishing cost them dearly in the end.

Newcastle's performance

Despite being on the wrong end of the result, this was not that bad a 90 minutes from the Magpies. They created a handful of good chances in the final third, while the likes of Vurnon Anita and Jack Colback battled hard in a midfield that worked hard throughout. On another day they could even have come away with the spoils.

As it was, some disappointing finishing and a lack of ideas saw them run out of steam come the final whistle. From a defensive point of view, a bit more organisation and leadership at the back would have gone a long way to keeping their opponents at bay. There are still questions over the direction of this Newcastle team, though there are also plenty of positives that they can take from this performance.

Southampton's performance

It was obvious from the start that the Saints were feeling the effects of trips to Old Trafford and Portman Road over the course of the past six days as they struggled to assert themselves in their usual manner. However, what they lacked in guile they made up for in dogged determination and focus.

This was one of the least spectacular showings that you are likely to see from Ronald Koeman's side this season, but they did what was needed to leave the North-East with three vital points. They had to ride their luck at times, with Newcastle squandering a couple of good opportunities in front of goal, though they ultimately deserved the victory thanks to an impressive all-round team display.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Eljero Elia: Southampton's recent loan signing from Werder Bremen was the star of the show, scoring twice to give his side the win. While the Dutchman made the difference in front of goal, he also worked hard in wide areas before he was brought off in the final minutes.

Biggest gaffe

Paul Dummett should have equalised for Newcastle with 15 minutes left when he rose highest to get his head on a corner, only for the full-back to somehow nod wide. The look on his face afterwards said it all: he knew that he had to get it on target at least.

Referee performance

Robert Madley had a solid afternoon for the most part, though there were a couple of penalty shouts for the home side that he had to deal with. He got the first one right as Nathaniel Clyne put in a fair challenge on Moussa Sissoko, but the second looked contentious. Despite Jose Fonte's arms being quite high when he blocked Emmanuel Riviere's shot, Madley decided against giving a spot kick. Replays showed that the hosts had a case.

What next?

Newcastle: The Magpies are back in action on January 31 when they travel to Hull City in the Premier League.

Southampton: The Saints continue their FA Cup campaign next Saturday with the visit of Crystal Palace in the fourth round.