Newcastle United earn three crucial points after an impressive victory on the road against Leicester City.
Newcastle United needed three points against Leicester City to secure their top-flight status and they achieved that objective. Two goals from Jonjo Shelvey and Ayoze Perez were enough to give the Magpies a 2-1 victory over Leicester.
The first half was largely dominated by Newcastle, and the second half was comprised of aggression and high energy from both sides. The level of competition in this match made it entertaining until the final whistle. Here are five things we learned from Newcastle’s victory at the King Power Stadium.
Defensive Primacy
Newcastle’s defenders secured all three points for the club, as they frustrated Leicester City’s attack for most of the match. Paul Dummett and company completely shut down their opposition. This tight defending from Newcastle’s back-four prevented Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez from roaming freely in the penalty area, which hindered Leicester’s efficiency.
In 2018, Newcastle United have shown that they have one of the best defensive units in the Premier League. Vardy’s tap-in goal late in the second half was the first time Newcastle conceded a goal in more than a month.
Top Player: Jonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey’s ability to lead his side to victory made the match against Leicester City more enjoyable. The 26-year-old took control of the game from the opening whistle, and the defensive midfielder was comfortable playing attacking football.
His goal in the 18th minute to give the Magpies a 1-0 lead set the tone for the rest of the match. Moreover, Shelvey’s ability to switch the field and pick out team-mates from distance confirmed that he is a prominent facilitator.
With an interesting match against Arsenal up next, expect to see Shelvey hustling in the middle third of the pitch for 90 minutes.
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Confident Attack
Newcastle United have struggled in terms of scoring goals this season, but this was not the case on Saturday. Behind the efforts of Jonjo Shelvey and Ayoze Perez, the Magpies managed to find the back of the net twice on the road.
Scoring multiple goals in a crucial away match against a quality opponent is a positive sign for Newcastle with six matches remaining. Leicester City’s defense had no answer for Newcastle’s attack, and this should serve as a boost of motivation for the Magpies next weekend.
Composure
Time and time again this season, supporters and pundits have witnessed Newcastle collapse when taking early leads. However, Rafa Benitez’s men were able to maintain their composure in the second half of the match on Saturday.
Yes, Vardy did score a late goal and revived some of Leicester City’s hope, but the Magpies did well in maintaining possession deep into stoppage-time. Composure is something that the Magpies lacked all season, but hopefully this trend of playing calm football will continue through mid-May.
Toon Army Support
There are clubs with much larger fanbases in England with global networks, but the Toon Army are unique. The unwavering support that the Toon Army expressed at the King Power Stadium is what pushed the Magpies over the top. The endless chants served as motivation for the eleven men in striped jerseys.
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With only six matches left in the season, this vocal support from the Toon Army will assist the Magpies in their final three away matches. With matches at Everton, Tottenham and Watford still on the schedule, we can expect three more sold-out away sections.