City’s delight over Magpies’ home form
RAFA Benitez believes there is a feel-good factor around the city after Newcastle United’s upturn in fortunes at St James’ Park,
The Magpies are in their best form on home soil in 15 years after winning five matches on the spin.
The situation is a far cry from the first few games of the season, when Newcastle struggled on Tyneside and had to wait until November for a home victory.
With the players now back in training after two days off, Benitez said: “They did really well, so I am really pleased for them and really pleased for the fans because in the first games we were not winning at home and it was a bit disappointing for everyone.
“Now winning games in a row, the fans are enjoying it, so I think everybody has to be happy in the city.”
Benitez reckons the fighting spirit in his squad cannot be questioned at the moment although that will be put to test at Bournemouth this weekend.
After the 3-2 win over Everton he said: “I don’t think we deserved to lose 2-0 in the way we were playing.
“We had chances and then we made mistakes in terms of second balls and gave them the chance with the quality they have to play behind or in between.
“We miss a penalty and one minute afterwards we concede, so things were going against us.
“However, at half-time, we were talking about staying calm, keeping going, be sure if we score one goal, we will be back in the game.”