A game-changing cameo
Slimani has limited opportunities to impress Benitez after missing two months with a thigh injury, but the on-loan Leicester striker changed the game for Newcastle when he came off the bench in the 63rd minute.
Replacing fellow forward Dwight Gayle, who was excellent up until being substituted, the Algeria international took just five minutes to make a telling impact, heading a loose ball into the path of Matt Ritchie to score the winning goal.
His link-up play with Kenedy down the left flank was particularly impressive alongside a few intelligent flicks and passes that eased the mounting pressure on United as the visitors sought an equaliser.
That influential cameo may even have encouraged Benitez to possibly hand him a start against Everton next Monday and give Gayle, whose goalless streak extended into a fifth game, a well-earned rest.
