Deandre Yedlin feels the thorough nature of boss Rafa Benitez filtered down to Newcastle United’s players on Saturday.

The Magpies enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton, a victory which not only eased the pressure at the foot of the Premier League table, but also cost Saints’ boss Mauricio Pellegrino his job.

But the American feels the constant message preached by Benitez meant there was no easing up from the Magpies as they kept the pressure on the Saints.

"That's one of the things that Rafa kind of preached, that we needed to focus for the whole game and not just 80 minutes or even 85 minutes,’’ said the right-back, after the Magpies had thrown away a two-goal advantage at Bournemouth two weeks earlier. “It needs to be for 90 or 93 minutes, or whatever it might be. It needs to be for the whole game.

"That's what we did. We stayed on top of them, stayed high. At 3-0 up we were staying high. It shows that we're progressing and it's come at a good time."

The Magpies are now 13th in the table, with the managerless Saints – Mark Hughes is favourite for the job – a point and a place about third-bottom Crystal Palace.

“Victory was very important,’’ said Yedlin. “Obviously not only for the points, but to keep the momentum going. Two wins in two here, two big wins. It was good that we didn't give up any goals and kept clean sheets in both games that we played here.

"We're obviously very happy with the result, and are focused on the next game.’’

With St James’ Park raucous in victory, Yedlin was quick to praise the faithful for their support: "It's unbelievable. It's always a wonderful stadium to play in, and the fans were unbelievable again. We really fed off their energy, and they helped keep us going. We can't thank them enough."

And now the Magpies have a three-week break before their next Premier League game, when Huddersfield visit St James’ Park.

Bentiez and his squad are heading to Spain for a warm weather training camp and will face Royal Antwerp in a friendly on Sunday.

"It's a big win,’’ reflected Yedline. “It's one of those things, you don't want to go into this kind of break off a loss and even closer to the relegation zone. It boost us right up the table, and it was a great performance."