Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe called striker Alexander Isak outstanding on Saturday after his two goals against Southampton put the Sweden international firmly in the race for the Premier League golden boot.

Newcastle ended their last match chastened, slumping to a 4-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth which included two goals in injury time. The defeat ended a nine match unbeaten run, but the Southampton game was an opportunity for Newcastle to prove their class — if they are as good as they want to be, they need to put away poor teams.

Alexander Isak scored two more goals and helped set up a third as Newcastle United came back to beat Southampton 3-1 at St/ Mary's on Saturday.

Alexander Isak scored twice as Newcastle beat rock-bottom Southampton 3-1 at St Mary's on Saturday to climb to fourth in the Premier League table.