NEWCASTLE BATTLE FOR POINT AT ST. MARY'S

Newcastle United earned a point at Southampton to move off the bottom of the Premier League table with a 0-0 draw.

Southampton remain 16th in the standings and just two points above the drop zone after not being able to break the deadlock against a stern Newcastle defence.

Newcastle never threatened the Saints' goal without having a shot on target all game at St. Mary's.

Southampton have now gone five home games without scoring and the Magpies drew a third goalless game away from home this season.

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The hosts were the brighter of the sides in the first-half when Ryan Bertrand's shot found Mohamed Elyounoussi but the Martin Dubravka smothered the ball from his feet.

Mario Lemina was fed through by Bertrand, but the midfielder could only find the face of the near post.

Jack Stephens had a headed opportunity, with Bertrand again the provider, but Dubravka got down well to save the header.

Charlie Austin had a goal disallowed for a foul on Dubravka with no real appeals from the Saints fans or players.

Source: Independent

Newcastle managed to hold on for an important point down on the South Coast as they move off the foot of the league.

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Mark Hughes believed his Southampton side were the only team trying to win the game and they deserved maximum points.

"We were the side that was trying to win the game over the 90 minutes," Hughes said. "I thought that we had the better chances, and Alex McCarthy hasn't had a shot to save.

"It's back-to-back clean sheets, and that's something we've been working on just to tighten up our defensive platform which will allow us to be a little bit more confident at the top end."

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was pleased with his team's overall performance at St. Mary's and is satisfied with the result.

"I think we have to consider the circumstances, going away from home at the bottom of the table, getting a clean sheet and a point," Benitez said.

"They pushed hard in the second-half so we did well to keep our clean sheet. A bit of better possession at times would've led to clearer chances, but it was difficult."