RAFA GETS ROUGH WITH STRUGGLERS

NEWCASTLE are fighting their way to survival at the expense of their relegation rivals. Toon have collected 20 of their 22 points in eight games against teams in the bottom five. The defeat of Stoke took their festive haul to seven points from four games and pushed them up to 13th place in the Premier League. And following their win at West Ham just before Christmas, the Geordies have recorded back-toback away victories in the top flight for the first time since November 2014. It’s been a Christmas to remember for manager Rafa Benitez, who said: “We would have taken that tally had we been offered it before Christmas. “We started the season very well but then went on a bad run and lost a little bit of confidence. “But I have been telling everyone that the team have not given up and are working as hard as they can, and I am pleased you have seen this on the pitch.

“This was another good example of a team working extremely hard against another team that was giving everything.”

Benitez (below) made another series of surprise changes, playing Christian Atsu up front for the first time. “When you win, the changes are right. When you don’t win, maybe not,” he said.

“When you change players, it is easier when everybody knows what they have to do. I knew Atsu could play in this position.

“Ayoze has clear movement and the understanding between them was very good. Then the rest of the team were helping with good passes and movement.”

Summer signing Jacob Murphy, who set up the winner (above) also got praise for his improving displays. Benitez said: “He is a young player who is learning how to understand the game, and also learning about the pace of the Premier League.”