Four-midable
Jamaal Lascelles at the end of the game but the former Nottingham Forest man was having none of it and merely encouraged the Spaniard.
The Geordie crowd are fair with their players and this was reflected when Joselu was afforded warm applause as he was subbed despite having a bad day in front of goal.
After all, this had been a massive team effort from start to finish with everybody including 50,000 Geordie fans - playing a big part in ruffling the feathers of Stoke.
Newcastle did not fly out of the blocks and instead waited to see what the visitors had to offer in the opening exchanges. Guided by the returning Benitez in the dugout, they bided their time and Matt Ritchie’s pinpoint cross to pick out Christian Atsu on 19 minutes was the team’s reward for that diligent start to the game. Those missed chances from Joselu either side of half-time allowed Stoke to stay in the match and after two warning shots from Xherdan Shaqiri the Swiss star did eventually beat Rob Elliot with a stinging effort from long range on 57 minutes. It was after that moment we witnessed the calmness Benitez has brought to St James’ Park. There was no panic at 1-1 and the players simply recomposed themselves and set up for the last half an hour.
Notably, the crowd did not flap either, the support levels going up and helping to lift the team.
United had to survive a scare when Mame Biram Diouf’s header was saved brilliantly by Elliot but Newcastle went on to please their fans in the final quarter.
With United shooting towards the Gallowgate End they continued to ask questions of a Stoke defence flustered by United’s persistence.
Atsu could have won a penalty after being upended by Kurt Zouma - but the game would be sealed a few minutes later.
Another perfect corner kick from Ritchie picked out Lascelles and with Stoke opting to mark zonally he was able to power it off the bar and into the net to make it 2-1.
Unlike teams of the past, the Magpies managed the game perfectly to hold on to the three points. Chipped in with his usual key moments, saving well from Shaqiri and Diouf in each half A steady return from hamstring injury as he contributed at both ends. Another rock-solid display at the back and weighed in with the all-important winner. Battled hard and belted away nine clearances to leave uncompromising Stoke with few chances. May well be playing out of position but just got on with the job and made some crucial interceptions. Two assists from the magic man conjured up another win. Up for the fight but starting to make a habit of picking up yellow cards. Had to show the other side to his game with some crucial defensive work. Back to form with an important opener and might have won a penalty too. Did not stand out offensively but put in seven tackles and drew Stoke into five fouls. Held the ball up well but missed three very good chances. Looked almost apologetic when approaching team-mates at full-time Jonjo Shelvey ............................... 6 For Hayden 69. Solid but unspectacular. Dwight Gayle ................................... For Joselu 78 Mo Diame ......................................... For Perez 86 Not used: Murphy, Manquillo, Lejeune, Woodman. Bookings: Hayden, Clark, Merino.