It was really a masterclass of coaching from Rafa Benitez that we saw yesterday as some Newcastle players seemed possessed and every single player played their hearts out in front of another sold-out St. James’ Park.
We beat Southampton rather easily 3-0 and in our last two Premier League games at home, we have taken all 6 points after beating Manchester United in a 1-0 win.
As soon as the first whistle was blown yesterday it was clear Newcastle were up for this game and a brilliant Kenedy goal after about a minute of play put Newcastle on the right track.
A second goal from Kenedy after 29 minutes – a magnificent breakaway team goal – and another good goal from Matt Ritchie after 57 minutes gave us our joint best win of the season.
Rafa Benitez meets former assistant Mauricio Pellegrino before the game
What a great time to get a 3-0 win!
There were a lot of players in good form for us yesterday with Shelvey mercurial in central midfield but all our players played well individually and as a team.
They were simply terrific.
A very calm Rafa Benitez was interviewed after the game as reported in the Chronicle today:
“I have seen the table, obviously, but it’s not a big difference for me.”
“We knew that we had to win those game and now we will have in three weeks Huddersfield and it will be another massive game.
“But still we have to win two or three games if we want to be sure that we are in the Premier League next year.”
“No, not really (I’m not relieved).” “That was just the intention (a win) because we needed to continue doing well.”
“When we were winning 3-0 and we had the control, what I wanted was a clean sheet.
“It just to be sure that the team doesn’t lose its concentration and keeps going trying to do their best in every game until the last minute.”
“But still we have to win two or three games if we want to be sure that we are in the Premier League next year.”
The game in the US was televised live on CNBC and one of the commentators, Garry Birtles, continually pointed out to how the crowd was such a positive for Newcastle.
It was an easier win for us than anybody expected but Rafa’s right that the lads have to continue playing like this.
If we can beat Huddersfield in our next game in three weeks time and then West Brom at the end of April – both at home – we must have a great chance of staying up.
Hopefully, we can be safe before the West Brom game.
We need 8 points from our final 8 games to reach 40 points..
Howay The Lads!!
Comments welcome.
13 comments so far
Jail for Ashley
Mar 11, 2018 at 8:43 AM
Comment #1I know there’s a bit to go still but I think psychologically that assured our safety yesterday. No matter what happens in the next three weeks we’ll still be out of the bottom three by the time we face Huddersfield. If we beat them which really shouldn’t be a problem then confidence will be sky high for the three away games to clubs already preparing for their holidays.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 11, 2018 at 8:45 AM
Comment #2Comedy gold from I love pennywell 8788. He dreamt we were crap and lost three nil and he’s not sold on Kenedy at all. Ha ha. Mug.
c-dog
Mar 11, 2018 at 8:50 AM
Comment #3Rafa is an absolute genius. The whole team were class. If Shelvey plays well Newcastle play well. He was the general yesterday.
Munster Mag
Mar 11, 2018 at 8:57 AM
Comment #4Shelvey must be worth 50mill now. Fats better give rafa the bucks to build a better team and stop him looking elsewhere. Thankfully there are probably very few clubs he wud go to anyway.
Jib
Mar 11, 2018 at 8:57 AM
Comment #5nufcursed
Rotherham have the record low number
of points in the Championship – 25
Sunlun are currently on 28
Do you think they’ll get more than 30 ?
Black and white armpit
Mar 11, 2018 at 8:57 AM
Comment #6No signs of Catchy once again? He must be seething the way we keep picking up points,
Newcastle fan my ar*e.
Jib
Mar 11, 2018 at 8:59 AM
Comment #7Our goal difference of -10 is way the best
in the bottom third
Munster Mag
Mar 11, 2018 at 9:02 AM
Comment #8I think we are sorted Jail. I know we don’t have the points yet but we cud even end up mid table. Thought my buddy Perez was brill on the counter. Not an easy skill, running at pace with that ball control. If Fats can just give rafa the money to get the pace and power into the team that he wants, we cud be a hard proposition for most and will allow us to square up to teams like liverpool better. Hats off to rafa, great team spirit.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 11, 2018 at 9:03 AM
Comment #9Munster,
So when we win Rafa is a genius and the best thing since sliced bread. But when we lose his credentials as a top flight manager have to be questioned, his tactics are outdated and he is living in the past. Do you think that is fair and balanced criticism. I call petty and unnecessary.
Munster Mag
Mar 11, 2018 at 9:07 AM
Comment #10No jail it’s called the right to make a judgement that others might not agree with. If I see poor subs or defensive football or stubbornness I will voice it in the same way as I will praise a good performance . I will criticise a bad signing and praise A good one. It’s called balance. You will blame the owner. Jog on.
Jib
Mar 11, 2018 at 9:11 AM
Comment #11It’s looking like the only reason the
WBA board haven’t sacked Pardew
is they cannot get anyone willing to
replace him.
Munster Mag
Mar 11, 2018 at 9:18 AM
Comment #12I think so jib. Poss same with Southampton
lesh
Mar 11, 2018 at 2:59 PM
Comment #13Munster Mag
Rafa strikes me as an honest and professional man whereas Ashley has shown himself to be neither.
When you consider that Rafa’s been lied to and let down a number of times by Ashley, the owner who has neither the decency or courtesy to communicate with his main man, we can’t be sure that Rafa’d put up with much more of Ashley’s behaviour.
We need a white knight to buy our club, retain Rafa and take us to a level we’ll never see under Ashley. C’mon Amanda or someone else with the ambition to save us, please help us be rid of Ashley.