Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl thanked the home support after defeat to Newcastle United.

Allan Saint-Maximin's strike just over ten minutes from time meant the points went back to the North East, despite a valiant performance from ten-man Saints.

Moussa Djenepo was sent off after 28 minutes, but Hasenhüttl was quick to praise the positive effect of the fans on his side during a tough afternoon.

“I want to say the atmosphere today was fantastic," recalled Hasenhüttl post match. “The fans were unbelievable, they really pushed us and really helped us a lot with this fight, in the second half especially.

“I cannot criticise my team for not doing everything, they left everything on the pitch. It was a good performance on our side."

The defeat means Saints sit 14th in the standings, one point behind today's winners Newcastle and five points ahead of 15th placed Brighton.

“I think the most important thing was that we were more committed today and we had an understanding about us that we should have in every home game.

“It was a very good performance in the second half, but in the end the result is the only thing that is necessary and it's what we don't have."