63 second goals help to build early momentum
Kenedy scored Newcastle’s fastest goal of the season against the Saints, the Brazilian winger finding the net at the Leazes End after just 63 seconds to kills the visitors off before they had time to catch a breath.
That goal went a long way to calming United’s nerves in a match built up as a crucial six-pointer in the days beforehand, gaining an early foothold in a contest that Benitez’s side controlled from first whistle to last. It also served as an indicator as to the game plan implemented by the Magpies boss, witnessing his side ambush Southampton with thrust and conviction from the moment the referee blew to signal for kick-off.
It was a deliberate ploy that was partly a riposte to those left disgruntled by the pragmatic approach deployed for much of the season by Benitez, and partly because the Spaniard knew Southampton would quickly lose shape, confidence and concentration the more pressure they were under, allowing Newcastle to retreat into a familiar counter-attacking shape and increase their own tempo when required.
It ultimately paid dividends when the final whistle blew and is an approach worth sticking with for Huddersfield and beyond.
