Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton has claimed that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley does not deserve Magpies manager Rafael Benitez.
Benitez’s team pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind 2-1 victory over champions Manchester City on Tuesday, and Sutton was quick to throw his weight behind the Spaniard.
“Mike Ashley doesn’t deserve Rafa,” he said on his personal Twitter account. “Outstanding Newcastle.”
Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie scored for the Magpies as they completed a historic win over Pep Guardiola’s side, having conceded after just 24 seconds to Sergio Aguero’s opener.
OPINION
Does anyone disagree with Sutton’s statement? It has been clear for a long time that a tyrannical owner like Ashley doesn’t deserve a top class manager like Benitez, but it was spelled out in giant neon letters on Tuesday night. What Benitez has achieved, and is continuing to achieve at Newcastle, is nothing short of miraculous. Just look at the players in the Magpies team who were going toe to toe with City’s finest. People like Ayoze Perez and Isaac Hayden who are seemingly levels below Guardiola’s team, putting in performances above themselves to ensure victory. It’s Benitez who is getting them to do that. It’s Benitez who has found a system that works for his side. It’s Benitez who keeps the supporters coming to games when Ashley is doing everything he can to drive them away. Sutton is absolutely right, Ashley does not deserve Benitez. If only the man himself realised it.
