Gayle’s 80-yard sprint is a win for Benitez’s counter-attack strategy
Newcastle’s second goal – again scored by Kenedy – originated from a Southampton corner and saw Dwight Gayle sprint 80-yards from his own penalty area to tee up the on-loan Brazilian winger in a devastating counter-attack move, illustrating the team ethic and togetherness instilled by Benitez into a squad deemed only Championship standard at the start of the season.
Benitez has regularly set his team up to sit back and hit teams on the break this term, especially when faced with those situated at the top end of the table, much to chagrin of home supporters who believe Newcastle should be granted the freedom to attack at St James’ Park. In Benitez’s eyes the goal was justification for persisting with that strategy.
Even with rock-bottom West Brom and Huddersfield still to visit Tyneside, the way in which the players executed Benitez’s plan suggests the United boss will see it as the best way to beat the teams at either end of the Premier League ladder.
The stubborn Spaniard is not the kind of manager to be influenced by external forces nor one to gloat when his tactics succeed, but the United boss can afford himself a wry smile safe in the knowledge that his default strategy is yielding valuable points at just the right time.
