Saints climb clear of danger

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins denied predecessor Alan Pardew a winning return to St Mary's as the south coast club impressively despatched Newcastle United 2-0.

Pardew made his return to Southampton for the first time on Sunday afternoon, having led Saints for just over a year, but the hosts edged the first half and took a deserved lead through captain Adam Lallana.

Lallana then linked with Jason Puncheon to set up Gaston Ramirez for their second goal after the break. Newcastle were unable to find a response, meaning they have won just one of their eight Barclays Premier League matches as Saints earned a first clean sheet of the season and three points to propel them out of the relegation zone.

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