RAFAEL BENITEZ was left rueing two costly errors as his Newcastle United side were held to a 2-2 draw at Southampton, but the Magpies manager insists it is important not to lose sight of how far his team have come in the opening two months of the Premier League season.

Newcastle were ahead on two separate occasions at St Mary’s, with Isaac Hayden and Ayoze Perez both claiming their first goal of the campaign either side of the interval.

However, Southampton claimed two equalisers through Manolo Gabbiadini, with the first coming after Javier Manquillo stood off the Italian striker and the second arriving via the penalty spot after Florian Lejeune fouled Shane Long.

The result leaves Newcastle in ninth position in the table, and means they have still only lost three of their opening eight Premier League matches. That represents a marked improvement from their last spell in the top-flight, when a defeat at St Mary’s played a major role in their eventual relegation, and Benitez remains happy with his side’s progress on their return to the top tier.

“It’s this kind of game where you are disappointed because you could win, but at the same time you’re also happy because you go away and get another point against a good team,” said the Magpies manager, who also watched Joselu hit the crossbar shortly after the interval.

“I’m also disappointed because 3,500 fans were coming on a Sunday, another long trip, and it was a pity not to give them the chance to go back with the three points. But I am sure they will be happy with the point we got.

“I liked a lot of the things we did, but I’m not happy with the two goals we conceded. But overall, I think it was a good performance and a great game to watch for everyone. I’m pleased overall, although we can still improve.”

Benitez had no complaints about the crucial penalty decision, with Lejeune diving into a challenge on Long after the Irishman played a one-two with Sofiane Boufal.

Lejeune was making only his second Premier League appearance as he replaced Ciaran Clark, and the Spaniard had produced a composed display prior to conceding the spot-kick.

His lapse proved costly, but Benitez was not about to be too critical given the 26-year-old’s lack of experience in the English game.

“I haven’t seen the replay, but from the bench it seems it was a penalty,” he said. “You just want him to manage things a little bit better.

“After he could have been the hero with a header (that was cleared off the line), but that is football. It didn't happen, but it could be good for us.

“Overall, I will say he was not playing since the game against Tottenham, he was working very hard and afterwards during the international break he was training with the team. I am happy because he's another good player that will give us more options and more competition in every position, in this case as a centre-back.”

Benitez also revealed that his attempts to chase a winner were handicapped when substitute Dwight Gayle suffered a calf problem in the closing stages.

Gayle’s attempts to surge beyond the Southampton defence were hampered by a lack of mobility, but with three substitutes already on the field, last season’s leading scorer had to remain on the pitch despite his discomfort.

“When he came on, we were expecting to use his pace, but he had a little problem with his calf,” said Benitez. “He was working very hard, but with a problem. In the last ten minutes we were playing with just ten players, but even then he was still running and chasing some balls and passing.

“We couldn’t use his pace in the last ten minutes, and that was a pity because we were under pressure and he was maybe the solution for us. But after the run he did, he was feeling a little bit stiff in his calf and he couldn't run in the same way.

“I think he was managing well. I told him to drop off a little bit and stay a little closer to the midfielders. He managed well. He made the effort, which is good for the team, but it's what you have to do. You have professionals and they have to give everything for the team.”