Newcastle United strengthened their grip on a Champions League position after showing no mercy on relegation haunted Southampton with an emphatic win on the South Coast.
On a day of fluctuating weather at St Mary's Stadium, at one stage amid driving rain, Newcastle fans were singing and dancing in the rain with their shirts off as their team made a real statement to the Premier League. Having survived some first half pressure, clinical United then took their chances in both halves thanks to red-hot Miguel Almiron, sub Chris Wood, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes in a stunning victory.
The sparkling display put a four-point gap between the Magpies and Manchester United and lifted them to third but they will have to wait for the result of Tottenham's home clash with Liverpool to see if they can hold on to the top three position. For all Newcastle's excellent performances this season this one will rank high for Howe - not least because his side overcame a half-time withdrawal as number 9 Callum Wilson went off.
