BENITEZ DIALS V FOR VICTORY

NEWCASTLE’S players delivered the perfect pick-me-up for Rafa Benitez as he masterminded a victory by mobile phone. The Toon manager, stuck at his Merseyside home recovering from a hernia operation, gave orders by phone while watching on TV as a header from skipper Jamaal Lascelles sunk Swansea 1-0. Fitness coach Miguel Moreno, who took over touchline duties, said: ‘It was exactly what we wanted to deliver to Rafa, no doubt about that. It was everything for him and for his health, and also doing the job which we all planned to get the three points.’ Defender Lascelles, who led by example, said: ‘The manager rang me in the morning and told me, “Make sure the lads are on it”.’ Moreno, who has been by Benitez’s side throughout his career, revealed the way the management team had communicated: ‘He was talking to us all through the game. He was talking by phone to assistant Antonio Gomez in the directors’ box, who was sending messages to coach Mikel Antia on the touchline, who was telling me what he said. Between the four of us we were making all the plans. ‘I have a 100 per cent record as coach now! Hopefully it will be the record for my whole life because Rafa will return soon and if that is the case I am very happy with that.’ Swansea manager Paul Clement said: ‘I’m disappointed with our performance. I am baffled and frustrated. We were second best in combats, duels, first and second balls and tactics.’