Newcastle United earned an impressive point away to Southampton on Sunday in a thrilling encounter that proved to be one of the highlights of the English Premier League weekend.

The Magpies, in confident mood, twice took the lead against the home side and while they were ultimately pegged back by a Manolo Gabbiadini double, it was undoubtedly a smashing result for Rafa Benitez's side.

Isaac Hayden fired home in the first half, exploiting a slow Fraser Forster to send the away fans into raptures.

Celebrations in the away end were again ignited just seconds after Southampton's first equaliser, when Ayoze Perez fired past Forster to put Newcastle back in the driving seat.

It was Perez's first goal of the season and came at a time Magpies fans were beginning to lose faith in his ability to be an effective top-flight attacker.

He's been much criticised this term but perhaps his effort on Sunday can be the basis for an extended run of form.

Fans were delighted with his overall contribution and took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance...

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/fm90sc-newcastle95.mp4