TOON BOOM Rafa boys riding high
RAFA BENITEZ hailed his Newcastle stars for “defending the black and white shirt”.
The Magpies boss saw Jamaal Lascelles head his side into fourth place with a third consecutive win.
And the Spaniard admitted: “The fans are thinking of Europe.”
Benitez had to keep himself calm in the dugout to stop damaging stitches from his hernia operation.
But his players provided the inspiration with Christian Atsu opening the scoring, and Xherdan Shaqiri replying for Stoke.
Delighted Benitez said: “The fans are excited and thinking about Europe when you win so many games in a row – but for me it is one game at a time.
“It is really important that players want to stay, want to fight, want to defend their black and white shirt.
“They’re doing that and I think the fans appreciate that. The main thing is the togetherness, the work rate and the character.
“This group of players works very hard. Sometimes we have some problems, but with the chances we create we know they can give us the points.
“It is a competitive league and we are learning from that.
“I haven’t seen the table and I don’t want to see the table, believe me. I said one game at a time and now is a time for the fans to enjoy. “We have to enjoy it as well, but we have to be sure the next training session we will start correcting things and improving things.” Benitez (below) returned to the dugout after missing the Swansea game as he recovered from his operation. He added: “Normally, I am a little bit more agitated, but today I had to be careful. It will take some time to heal, but at least winning is always easier.” Benitez refused to set a target finishing position this season – but most Toon fans would be happy with comfortable top-flight survival.
Benitez’s side have developed a solid system founded on hard graft, and he said: “We wanted to be strong in defence and create something in attack. It was not easy because they are a good team.
“At half-time, the game plan was clear – carry on with the same idea.
“We had chances to finish the game early and they had a chance. That is football.
“We have to learn in the Premier League you cannot make many mistakes or you will pay for that.
“At the same time, when you are winning, you can correct things and it will be easier for me to pass on the message.”