Scrappy, but three points

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez gestures against Wigan ANOTHER win for Newcastle United, another step closer to promotion back to the Premier League.

We’re now ten points clear thanks to the victory over Wigan Athletic yesterday.

Let’s be honest though, after not winning in three prior to this one, this still wasn’t the greatest performance.

In truth, it was lacklustre and they can count themselves somewhat fortunate.

They scraped their way through it though and got another big three points – which is all that matters.

There’s been a lot of comparisons between Rafa Benitez and two other Newcastle greats in Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson.

I love Rafa, of course I do. But the reality is, unlike Keegan’s Newcastle and Sir Bobby’s Newcastle, Rafa’s Newcastle aren’t the most free-flowing, attacking and entertaining side to watch.

There’s been a lot of talk around atmosphere recently and I think the style of football has a lot to do with it.

Rafa has got the city and its fans buzzing again, compared to what it was under previous managers, but that’s more a reflection on the past two permanent managers (Alan Pardew and steve McClaren) than anything else.

I don’t want this to sound like a criticism of Rafa though. It isn’t.

What Rafa is, is a master of getting results. His football may not always be the most exciting to watch, but he gets results – and it’s results that will see Newcastle go up. It’s results that I’m sure will see Newcastle return to the top flight with a bang next season.

Burton Albion is next up for Newcastle. Win that and one or two more and that should be promotion in the bag.

I’d also just like to congratulate Jermain Defoe on his great return for England last weekend.

Not a great weekend this time for him and Sunderland, but in this column last week I said he had to get a run out after sitting on the bench against Germany.

Not only did he get a game against Lithuania, he scored too.

A fitting tribute to his little mate Bradley Lowery!