Southampton boss Ronald Koeman hailed their victory at Newcastle United as the best of the season.

The result at St James' Park, courtesy of a brace from Eljero Elia, lifted Saints back up to third in the Premier League.

Koeman 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).

"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.

"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."