Newcastle United handed their survival hopes a massive boost yesterday, securing a vital 1-0 victory over Manchester United at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies had dropped into the Premier League’s relegation zone following Sunday’s early fixture, where Huddersfield beat Bournemouth 4-1, but a surprise victory against Jose Mourinho’s side secured a crucial three points.
Rafael Benitez was understandably overjoyed with his side’s victory, which brought an end to an eight-match winless run at home in the Premier League, and he sent a superb message to the supporters after a win that may prove to be invaluable later in the season.
Quoted by The Chronicle, the Spaniard said:
“We have had a lot of games where the team was well-organised and defending well, and today it was just a question of passion and commitment from everyone.”
“My message to our fans – and I think they know really well – is that this team is a team that cares and the players don’t give up and continue working hard.”
“We have some limitations and we have some problems, but still today you could see another game where they were giving everything, and that is the positive thing. If we understand that and we are behind the players, they can perform like today.”
Newcastle still face a testing run of fixtures in the weeks ahead, as they’re forced to clash with top-four chasing Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
