BACK AT THE TOP: NEWCASTLE PROMOTED
SALUTE TO THE FANS: Rafael Benitez took a gamble when he chose not to make a swift exit from Newcastle in the wake of relegation from the Premier League last year. The manager’s decision was vindicated last night when his side beat Preston North End 4-1 at home to confirm their promotion from the Championship, which ended Huddersfield Town’s outside chance of overhauling them.
NEWCASTLE UNITED 4 PRESTON NORTH END 1 CHAMPIONSHIP
AYOZE PEREZ struck twice as manager Rafael Benitez succeeded in his mission to guide Newcastle back to the Premier League at the first attempt with a resounding victory over 10-man Preston.
Perez set the ball rolling after just seven minutes and although Jordan Hugill swiftly restored parity, Christian Atsu calmed nerves with a second goal on the stroke of half-time.
Matt Ritchie’s 65th-minute penalty, after Paul Gallagher had been dismissed for handball, and a second from Perez ensured the Magpies could not be caught either on the night or in the table, to the delight and relief of a crowd of 50,212 at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s return to the top flight was confirmed 348 days after arch-rivals Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Everton condemned them to the drop as Benitez’s decision to stay on was rewarded in style.
Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie says the players never lost faith even thoughn the pre-season favourites stuttered towards the finishing line, allowing Huddersfield Town to make the race for automatic promotion interesting as the season reached its conclusion.
Ritchie now has his eyes on going up as Championship winners, with leaders Brighton four points ahead with two games left.
“It’s been a bit tense but the lads always believed,” said Ritchie.
“We are disappointed we are not top given where we were a few weeks ago, but we can only affect what we can now. Hopefully we can win on Friday and put Brighton under pressure.”
Captain Jamaal Lascelles said: “(It was an) excellent performance. I’m so proud of the boys this season.
“The fans have been unbelievable. They’ve stuck by us – it’s overwhelming to be honest.”
Lascelles also has his eyes on silverware.
He added: “Of course (the title) matters. That’s what we’re going to go for.
“The main aim was to get back into the Premier League, that’s what we’ve done, but of course it’d be nice to overtake Brighton.
“We’ll see how the next game goes and hopefully we can overtake them and win the title.”
Everton’s Under-23 side were crowned Premier League Two champions after earning a favour from rivals Liverpool who beat second-placed Manchester City 3-2.