A spark that can light way to survival

THIS is why a Champions League winner like Rafa Benitez chooses to manage at St James’ Park.

In the stands noise and passion – the morale-sapping politics that engulfs Newcastle forgotten. On the pitch feisty, disciplined performers who, in the words of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, “fought like animals”.

Benitez had his team on the front foot and taking the game to Manchester United, in contrast to recent efforts against the elite. No wonder the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Mo Diame and Jamaal Lascelles lingered on the pitch afterwards to join in the celebrations with the delirious fans (above).

It was 113 days since Newcastle’s last home league win, against Crystal Palace in October, and the ninth attempt to end that dreadful record. The previous eight games had produced five defeats with only four goals scored. But in 90 minutes yesterday Toon rediscovered the spark that could light the way to safety.

In the 64th minute, as Shelvey swung in a free kick, Newcastle were in the bottom three. Once Matt Ritchie had crashed home from 12 yards, and the Toon had hung on thanks to brave defending and a brilliant debut from keeper Martin Dubravka, they were up to 13th. Those are the fine margins between relegation and survival.

Mourinho has yet to win a league game on Tyneside in seven tries, and this was his fourth defeat. But in disappointment he caught the mood, perhaps thinking of mentor Sir Bobby Robson, by saying it was a “beautiful thing” to see Newcastle at full tilt. There was even a magnanimous embrace with old rival Benitez at the final whistle.

The Newcastle boss (left) said: “The players don’t give up. We have limitations and some problems but they give everything. If we understand that and get behind the players they perform like this. “Against a top side you have to do it this way. I am really proud of them all today. That is the way to stay in the Premier League. This will give us more confidence against the big sides. We have had lots of games being well organised and today was about passion and commitment from everyone. ‘‘Every player gave everything and to do it in front of our fans is great because we have been so close.”