Perez hat-trick gives Newcastle win - reaction

Hmmm. Make of that what you will.

Remember, you can see highlights from all of today's Premier League games on Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:25 this evening.

More from Rafa Benitez: "Our level has to be between seventh and 10th in the table.

"I am the manager until 30 June. We can see the potential. When you see the teams between seventh and 15th, we have to compete with them."

Rafa Benitez's media commitments have moved on to speaking to written journalists in the press conference.

Newcastle fans might want to look away now...

That's your lot for live Premier League action today, but if you're craving more football, allow us to take you to Spain.

In La Liga, leaders Barcelona are playing host to Real Sociedad and you can follow that one here.

Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhuttl, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The first half was too bad so we don't deserve to get something. If you start like that and are 2-0 down at half-time, it's hard to come back.

"Changing shape caused more problems for Newcastle. They didn't have a lot of chances in the second half, apart from hitting the post, which was lucky.

"However, the first half just wasn't good enough which is too bad.

"We have to be sharper and more aggressive. We know we are not safe. 40 points is the reason why it's a crucial game on Tuesday. We need to be concentrated and hard working."

"We'll see" isn't "I'm definitely staying", is it?

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez: "The main thing was to win. I'm really proud of this group of players for working so hard.

"Ayoze has to be consistent but he is capable of doing this kind of thing [scoring hat-tricks] and has the quality."

On his own future, Benitez said: "Today, we will enjoy it. In an ideal world I want to compete for something. That's main thing. If you analyse the transfer fee and wage bill, it's far away.

"We'll keep preparing the team and see."

In a shock move, Ayoze Perez has been named man of the match.

As players and managers face the press, Rafa Benitez has been asked about his future as Magpies boss.

He hasn't exactly committed himself...

Newcastle midfielder Matt Ritchie, speaking to BT Sport: "We didn't start well at all in the first half but we managed to get a goal.

"Obviously Ayoze was brilliant.

"In the second half, again we didn't start well again but the third goal killed it.

"Everyone knows we had a sticky patch at the start of the season but togetherness and desire got us through."

On Rafa Benitez's future: "Of course we want him to stay but that's down to him and the board. We can't affect that."

Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez, speaking to BT Sport: "I feel very happy to get the hat-trick and help the team to get three important points that puts us in a great position.

"We're now 12th which means a lot. I need to thank my team-mates for the way we are playing and I am very proud of myself for the hat-trick.

"It's been a couple of months that are very important for us. We've done very well, We've got great results and now that we're safe we're going to start looking forward and up and finish even better."

With that, Newcastle climb to 12th, two points behind 11th-placed West Ham. Saints stay 16th, five points above the drop zone. They shouldn't go down, but may feel like they need one more win.

Very, very good game. Wouldn't have minded if it had gone on into the hot Easter night.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Doesn't beat the first man.

All the way to Nathan Redmond. Another cross whipped in, another corner coming up...

Another Saints corner....

Martin Dubravka! Another great save!

Again it's Maya Yoshida in there, meeting a corner from the left, with Dubravka keeping the ball out, low down by his right post, with what looks like a knee.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Five added minutes.

It's still breathless stuff, Newcastle almost getting into a pickle as Saints sweep down the right. It's been a cracking game.