Kenedy is victim as Benitez swaps craft for graft

AFTER ditching the gifted for the grafters, Rafa Benitez believes he has finally found the right formula to pull off his miracle. The Newcastle boss sounded like a beaten man after disappointing results against Fulham and Liverpool, drawing the conclusion that only divine intervention could prevent the club suffering a second relegation under his watch. The Spaniard made three changes from the side that folded at Anfield. He dropped Chelsea loanee Kenedy and fit-again Jonjo Shelvey could only make the bench. It had the desired effect as only Abdoulaye Doucoure’s late header prevented Newcastle leaving Vicarage Road with all three points. ‘I’m really pleased with the teamwork, the effort, the commitment, so there’s a lot of positives,’ said Benitez. ‘That is our way — be sure that everyone gives everything and we’ll have chances to get points against any team. Today, the way the team is performing, we can get the miracle done.’ That miracle will be a lot easier to pull off if Salomon Rondon (right) continues to fire at his current rate. The Venezuelan’s goal here was his fifth in his last eight appearances and, with precious few other options up front for Newcastle, he is aware there is responsibility on his shoulders. ‘Leading the line and scoring goals is my job and I know the manager and the fans are looking to me to help the team win games,’ said Rondon. ‘It’s a massive point for us because it shows we are ready to fight. The most important thing is the spirit, and that was never missing.’ His first-half header, laid on by Matt Ritchie, ensured another point on the road for Newcastle, who have been beaten once in their last six away games. It was only a third assist of the season for Ritchie but Benitez insists it is the other side of the Scot’s game that makes him indispensable. ‘Matt is a worker,’ he said. ‘He has enough quality to make these kind of deliveries and assists. He can score goals but he is always committed and working hard.’ Commitment now appears to be a prerequisite for getting into this team and substitute Shelvey took an ear-bashing from his backline having lost Doucoure for the equaliser. His talent has never been disputed, but these times call for different qualities. For the same reason, Kenedy was left out and may even be sent back to Chelsea if Benitez can secure a replacement. Watford manager Javi Gracia may be searching for a replacement of his own if Doucoure continues to impress. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain but team-mate Adrian Mariappa said: ‘It’s a good sign when your players are being touted and other clubs are interested. ‘It shows they are doing well.’ WATFORD (4-4-2): Foster 6; Janmaat 6, Mariappa 6, Cathcart 6, Masina 5 (Holebas 78min); Hughes 5.5 (Deeney 54, 6.5), Quina 6 (Doucoure 54, 6.5), Capoue 6, Pereyra 6.5; Success 6.5, Deulofeu 6.5. Subs not used: Gomes, Britos, Cleverley, Sema, Holebas. Booked: Masina. Scorer: Doucoure 82. Manager: Gracia 6.5. NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Dubravka 6.5; Yedlin 6, Lascelles 6.5, Fernandez 6.5 (Schar 46, 6), Dummett 6.5; Diame 6.5, Hayden 6.5 (Shelvey 82); Ritchie 6, Perez 6, Atsu 6.5; RONDON 7. Subs not used: Woodman, Murphy, Muto, Manquillo, Joselu. Booked: Yedlin, Schar. Scorer: Rondon 29. Manager: Benitez: 7. Referee: Roger East 7. Attendance: 20,336.