Newcastle United take a massive step towards safety.
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez wanted to help ensure their Premier League position today at Leicester City, and many fans would have been pleased with a point. However, the Magpies were ready for the challenge, and left the King Power Stadium with all three points instead.
The Toon earned a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Jonjo Shelvey and Ayoze Perez, with a strong team effort helping to see out the result. Jamie Vardy cut into the lead late into the match, but United were able to hang on in the closing stages.
Newcastle are now tenth in the table on 38 points, and getting further away from the relegation zone. Their next fixture will be against Arsenal on April 15.
Looks like Jonjo Shelvey enjoyed that one.
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 7, 2018
His first Premier League goal in 868 days!#LEINEW pic.twitter.com/uh6Un5fmn9
There was a confidence and edge to the first half, as Benitez’s side seemed well prepared for the opposition. Constant pressure on the ball and relentless defending helped to create space and opportunities.
Shelvey took advantage in the 18th minute, as he set himself up perfectly for the game’s opening goal.
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A penalty shout for Leicester was not given by referee Stuart Attwell, and Newcastle took their 1-0 lead into the half-time break.
The second half
Benitez kept his players motivated in the second half, and a great finish from Perez in the 75th minute would eventually provide the winner.
A beautiful finish from Ayoze Pérez for @NUFC! 😱 pic.twitter.com/jTRsVYfKwL
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 7, 2018
The Spanish international recognised Kasper Schmeichel’s poor positioning, and chipped the ball into the back of the net.
Vardy’s strike gave the Foxes life towards the end, but they were ultimately unable to find an equaliser.
With difficult fixtures on the horizon, this victory may be remembered as the moment that top-flight safety was confirmed for the Toon.
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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez simply wanted to ensure their place in the Premier League. Now, they’re in the top of half of the table. Football can be a funny game.