WISDOM OF SALOMON
Doucoure Rondon
SALOMON RONDON cannot wait to test Manchester United’s New Year resolution with a taste of Auld Lang Tyne.
The barnstorming performance of Newcastle’s top scorer – and a fifth goal (above) in 12 games – was conclusive proof the best things at Toon still come in the No.9 shirt. He is not yet in the class of Milburn, Shearer or Supermac. But at Vicarage Road he was immense, an absolute monster. And United, who came unstuck in the Geordie Republic in February, had better be ready for the battering ram from Venezuela on Wednesday night. The Toon looked o n course for a deserved first-ever win at Vicarage Road in the top flight until they were undone by Watford sub Abdoulaye Doucoure’s header eight minutes from time.
These are confusing times in Likely Lads heartlands.
Boss Rafa Benitez claims they need a “miracle” to avoid another relegation scrap, his January transfer window budget is somewhere down the back of the sofa and the latest takeover talks have gone quieter than laryngitis.
But on this evidence, they will not need a miracle. They will be as safe as houses if Rondon’s on the rampage.
“It’s a massive point for us because it shows we are ready to fight,” he said.
“Watford play with a high intensity at home and we worked so hard to contain them. The most important thing is the spirit, and that was never missing.
“Leading the line and scoring goals is my job. We have to keep working as a team and this is a small step.
“Every game in this league is difficult, but when Manchester United come to your stadium it’s like a final because you’re against great players.
“We need to stay compact and focused, keep our spirit and attitude, and remember we are playing in front of our fans. This is our home and we want to do well here.
“In the past teams have feared playing United, and maybe you think about their history, but they are the same as us – two arms, two legs – and we’ll do our best to take three points.”
Newcastle were leading 2-0 at Old Trafford in October until a late collapse bought Jose Mourinho a 10-week stay of execution.
There is a sense of unfinished business among the Toon players, but Rondon acknowledged: “A lot had happened since that game.
“Their confidence is higher now because of a couple of good wins, but the most important thing is how we approach the game.
“This is the challenge.”