Mauricio Pellegrino hopes Manolo Gabbiadini's brace will spark life into Italian striker after salvaging a draw for Southampton

  • Southampton had to twice come from behind to earn a draw against Newcastle
  • Manolo Gabbiadini struck a double which saved Mauricio Pellegrino's side
  • The Argentinian manager hopes Gabbiadini will recover his previous form
  • The Italian forward scored six goals in his first four for the Saints after his signing
  • Pellegrino stated Gabbiadini is an 'important player' for his side 

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino hopes striker Manolo Gabbiadini can regain confidence after the Italian's double rescued a 2-2 draw against Newcastle.

Making his first start in over a month, Gabbiadini scored twice at St Mary's Stadium - the second a penalty with 15 minutes remaining - to cancel out goals from Newcastle's Isaac Hayden and Ayoze Perez.

Southampton have struggled in attack of late and a return to form for Gabbiadini would be particularly timely, after hitting six goals in his first four games for the Saints last season.

Manolo Gabbiadini boosted boss Mauricio Pellegrino after netting a brace against Newcastle

Manolo Gabbiadini boosted boss Mauricio Pellegrino after netting a brace against Newcastle

The Italian forward scored from the spot to level Sunday's tie at St Mary's and earn a point

The Italian forward scored from the spot to level Sunday's tie at St Mary's and earn a point

'Manolo is an important player for us,' Pellegrino said. 'It's positive for his confidence but the most important thing is he was working really hard, not just for himself but for the team.'


Pellegrino avoided criticising referee Kevin Friend despite his decision not to hand Newcastle's DeAndre Yedlin a second yellow card for a high and late challenge in the second half.

Gabbiadini scored his third of the season as he begins to recover his previously lost form

Gabbiadini scored his third of the season as he begins to recover his previously lost form

GABBIADINI COMPLETES FLUENT SAINTS MOVE FOR FIRST 

Gabbiadini completed a 10-pass move to net Southampton's first equaliser before later netting his spot-kick for a draw - for more match facts, visit Sportsmail's Match Zone

Gabbiadini completed a 10-pass move to net Southampton's first equaliser before later netting his spot-kick for a draw - for more match facts, visit Sportsmail's Match Zone

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Southampton were grateful, however, for a late penalty after Florian Lejeune made a needless challenge on Shane Long before Gabbiadini slammed the spot-kick home.

Newcastle, who stay ninth in the Premier League table and one place above the Saints, will see this as an opportunity missed and Rafael Benitez admits he had mixed feelings at the full-time whistle.

The Southampton boss (right) challenged Gabbiadini to push on after a promising showing

The Southampton boss (right) challenged Gabbiadini to push on after a promising showing

'After this kind of game you are disappointed because you could win but happy at the same time because you go away and get another point against a good team,' Benitez said.

'I like the team in a lot of things we did. I am not happy with the two goals we conceded but overall it was a good performance and a great game to watch for everyone.'

The Italian's penalty cancelled out Ayoze Perez's striker after 51 minutes

The Italian's penalty cancelled out Ayoze Perez's striker after 51 minutes

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Lejeune almost made amends for his earlier error but his 89th-minute header was cleared off the line by Southampton substitute Steven Davis.

Benitez also said his side were effectively down to 10 men in the latter stages as Dwight Gayle, who had also come off the bench, was struggling with a stiff calf.

'He was working hard and even with like 10 players he was running, wining some balls and passing,' Benitez said. 'But we couldn't use his pace. It was a pity because maybe he was the solution.'  

Which saw Pellegrino share the spoils with his former No 1 Rafael Benitez

Which saw Pellegrino share the spoils with his former No 1 Rafael Benitez