Gayle’s found his form at perfect time for Toon’s promotion push
Newcastle United 2 Wigan 1
NEWCASTLE United extended their advantage over third-placed Huddersfield Town as they ground out a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic at St James’ Park.
Here’s what NUFC writer Chris Waugh learned from this vital win...
1. A TWO-WEEK BREAK HAS CERTAINLY SERVED GAYLE WELL
THE Magpies’ top scorer had been back from a recurrence of his hamstring problem for a full four games before this one, but he hadn’t appeared quite right.
Gayle had suffered from similar hamstring injuries at Crystal Palace and it was clear that, psychologically, he was not convinced that his muscle had fully recovered.
His only goal since January came in injury time at Huddersfield, and that came courtesy of a defensive howler.
But a fortnight of conditioning work has helped Gayle rediscover his confidence in his body — and he was back to his predatory best against Wigan.
United had done very little during the first 36 minutes in what was a largely forgettable first half of football at St James’ Park. However, Gayle waited for his moment, and pounced to net his 22nd goal of the season.
Mo Diame whipped in an excellent ball which fizzed across the Wigan sixyard box, Gayle gambled and ran to the back post to tap it in.
As soon as his effort hit the back of the net the zip was back in Gayle’s game and he was a menace to the Latics defence throughout the rest of the game.
With the 26-year-old on this sort of form, Newcastle fans can be confident they will be playing Premier League football next term.
2. RAFA’S TWO BIG SUMMER SIGNINGS ARE PROVING TO BE DIFFERENCE-MAKERS
GAYLE cost £10m and has scored 22 goals to fire United to the top of the table.
But it was Ritchie who is actually Benitez’s most-expensive signing to date.
Newcastle forked out £12m to bring the winger from AFC Bournemouth to Tyneside, but convincing the Scotland international to trade the Premier League for another season in the Championship has proven to be a shrewd piece of business.
The 27-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in the league so far this season — and he has helped share the creative burden in the United team alongside Jonjo Shelvey.
When Newcastle have needed a goal in recent months, Ritchie or Gayle have more often than not been the men to pop up with those important strikes.
For a second-tier side to spend £22m on two players raised question marks, but they will prove to be bargains if United complete the job and secure promotion.
3. THE ACTION ON THE BENCH WAS MORE INTERESTING THAN THE GAME ITSELF...
FOR large parts this match was anything but satisfying on the eye, but on Will these fans be watching Premier League football next season? the touchline the towards the end.
Ritchie was adamant he should have been awarded a penalty during the final 10 minutes of the match after he was tripped, an incident which led to Magpies’ first team coach Mikel Antia and Wigan interim boss Graham Barrow clashing on the touchline.
Antia and Benitez were gesticulating action exploded