Newcastle left the Saint Mary’s with a point on Sunday after Manolo Gabbiadini twice drew the hosts level, and it’s not a result that sat well with manager Rafa Benitez.
Despite enjoying just 38% of the possession, the Magpies could have easily secured all 3 points in the 2-all draw against Southampton.
However, some dreading defending allowed the Saints prevent Newcastle from bagging their 4th league win of the campaign.
Javier Manquillo was well turned by the Italian striker for the first equalizer, while a needless foul by Florian Dejeune on Shane Long inside the box brought about the second equalizer from the spot.
Post-match, the Spanish boss said of a defending that had everything wrong with it: “We gave them the chance to score with the penalty.
“We did well but still conceded two goals, so something was wrong. We have to work hard, keep improving. We have to defend better, attack better and keep the ball better.”
As a result of the outcome, Newcastle missed out on the chance to join Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Burnley on 13 points, and will look to win at home when bottom-placed Crystal Palace come visiting next weekend.
The Toons have shipped an average of one goal per game thus far, but still need to do better if they are to have a chance at a top 10 finish.
