Southampton ensured they ended Friday night top of the Premier League table by beating Newcastle United 2-0 at St Mary’s.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints knew three points would provisionally send them into first place before the rest of the weekend’s action.
Che Adams struck seven minutes into the contest, while Stuart Armstrong added Saints’ second eight minutes from time to secure a deserved win.
The victory ensures Southampton have now won five of their opening eight top-flight games, and could be surprise challengers for European football should they keep the results coming.
The Saints last stood at the summit of English football 32 years ago under the management of Chris Nicholl and it marks a remarkable 12 months for the Austrian manager since their 9-0 thrashing by Leicester last October.
Newcastle, who had yet to be beaten away from home in the Premier League this season and headed into the game on the south coast in good form, having beaten Everton 2-1 in their previous fixture, but often lacked control and managed just four shots during the game.
Southampton moved level on 16 points with defending champions Liverpool, but could be overtaken by the Reds, Leicester, Tottenham or Everton if they win at the weekend.
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League.
Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
