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What we learned from the 3-0 victory vs. Cardiff City

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Cardiff City at St. James Park on January 19, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Cardiff City at St. James Park on January 19, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United fulfilled their objective of defeating Cardiff City yesterday in quite some style with three brilliant goals.

Newcastle United were expected to defeat Cardiff City yesterday and they got the job done with a 3-0 victory at St. James’ Park. Yesterday’s match was a typical, scrappy relegation battle between two teams in the league’s basement, but the Magpies’ defensive solidity and offensive urgency earned them all three points.

Newcastle and Cardiff City have swapped places in the table due to yesterday’s result. Newcastle are, for the time being, out of the bottom three and they hope to keep it that way for the rest of the season. Here are three things we learned from Newcastle’s 3-0 victory over their Welsh opponents.

Fabian “Ronaldo” Schar

One thing is for certain, the fact that Newcastle managed to secure Fabian Schar’s signature in the summer for only 3million is an absolute robbery to the rest of the football world. He has played well all season as a confrontational defender, but his attacking skills are worth praising, too. Playing as a defensive midfielder against Blackburn in the FA Cup gave life to a new player.

His unbelievable solo goal, which I will nominate for the team’s goal of the season, was simply stunning as he put his pace, aggression and composure all on display. His second goal was a basic tap-in, but it shows that he understands how to get in the right position. If Schar can continue being this involved in the remaining matches, Newcastle could cause some interesting upsets.

Clean Sheet at Home

Newcastle have been dreadful in front of their own supporters at St. James’ Park this season. The victory against Cardiff City marks only the third win of the season for the Magpies at home, a record which is unacceptable. However, the clean sheet against the Bluebirds from Wales does ameliorate some of that pain. Three points is one thing, but winning and preventing the opposition from scoring is massive, especially since goal differential could make the difference between the Magpies staying up and going down in May. So far, Newcastle have a goal differential of -12 with 19 goals scored and 31 goals conceded.

Next. Toon Takeaways from the win vs. Cardiff City. dark

Rafa the Genius

Prior to yesterday’s match, Newcastle were winless in their last nine games and they played an FA Cup replay match on the road in the middle of the week. Despite their poor league form and short turn around to prepare for Cardiff City, Rafa Benitez found a way to motivate his side to get a big victory against direct relegation rivals. The Spaniard is frustrated after being handed limited resources in yet another transfer window, but he can hold his head up high with the way his tired and injury-plagued men played against Neil Warnock’s side.