Lascelles delivers another Newcastle United victory against Stoke

Winning ways continue at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez were presented with an excellent opportunity for their third consecutive Premier League victory Saturday against Stoke City. Despite some nervous moments in the second half, the Magpies made the most of the afternoon with a 2-1 result.

The club are now top-five in the table, and have responded well after struggles in their first two games. Newcastle will travel to face Brighton next Sunday.

Benitez’s side came out with an attacking emphasis, and put good pressure on the Potters throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Christian Atsu opened the scoring in the 19th minute, when he put away a spectacular Matt Ritchie cross to give the hosts an early advantage.

The positive movements in the final third continued, and should have produced more than a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Striker Joselu was in a position to double the scoreline several times, but was unable to convert.

Frustration followed by a familiar hero

The Newcastle defence gave up the equaliser in the 57th minute, as Xherdan Shaqiri was allowed far too much space just outside the penalty area. A scorching shot beat goalkeeper Rob Elliot, as the momentum certainly seemed to be shifting.

But team captain Jamaal Lascelles made sure that the Toon Army enjoyed a festive atmosphere on the day. The centre-back scored the winner with a header from a Ritchie corner in the 68th minute.

Stoke pushed to level the encounter once more before the final whistle, but failed in the Newcastle half.

Benitez will certainly be pleased, even with his squad squandering chances at more goals and Stoke almost grabbing a result late on.

Next: Newcastle fans are right to be excited about Mikel Merino

Newcastle United now aim to make it four consecutive victories at Brighton. The North East will be in wild celebrations if the team can keep this form going for another week.