The magical moments out of Rafa’s fifty
NEWCASTLE United’s victory over Watford was Rafa Benitez’s 50th win at the club.
Since replacing Steve McClaren in March 2016, Benitez has overseen a turbulent time at St James’ Park – including relegation, promotion, a tenth-place finish and an early-season relegation battle.
But in that time support from the fans has never wavered, and they still hold out the hope they will see the Spaniard in charge for another 50 games – despite the signs suggesting otherwise.
In the 116 games he’s taken charge of there have been some very memorable games – from sheer entertainment to tactical masterclasses.
Below the Chronicle NUFC team pick their favourites.
Lee Ryder: Newcastle 4 Preston 1 (24.04.17)
This was a memorable evening because it sealed promotion and Rafa Benitez was able to take the applause for achieving it.
He’d been told he couldn’t handle life in the Championship but proved everybody wrong.
The home win in the Premier League against Man United was also enjoyable for obvious reasons.
Chris Waugh: West Ham 2 Newcastle 3 (23.12.17)
I am surprised myself that I have selected this game, given that the London Stadium is – in my opinion – an awful place to play football.
But that’s irrelevant. This win was absolutely huge for Newcastle, and it was largely unexpected.
Having gone through a nine-game winless run between October and December, the Magpies desperately needed a victory – and Rafa Benitez pulled off a tactical masterclass in east London.
Henri Saivet came in from the cold to first give away a goal, and then score a magnificent free-kick to level things up. Mo Diame and Christian Atsu then scored as the Magpies tore the Hammers apart on the break, before Newcastle held on to claim an invaluable three points.
It was the perfect Christmas present for United fans – and, from that point on, the Magpies never really looked back. Gradually, Newcastle hauled themselves out of trouble – and, for me, that victory at the London Stadium was the single most important win of the Benitez era.
Andrew Musgrove: Newcastle United 1 Manchester United 0 (11.02.18)
United were in the bottom three and in desperate need of win, and it came in style against Manchester United.
First off, it was a lovely goal by the Magpies; Shelvey’s free-kick headed down by Lejeune, a deft flick by Gayle to Ritchie who fired home.
But more than that it was the first win at home for United since October and the one which set up on the game run which eventually saw them finish 10th.
It was a great advert for the club; the crowd were loud and the team pulling together for Rafa Benitez who delivered a tactical master class.
I wrote at the time that it was a performance which should whet the appetite of any potential buyer. It’s just a shame that we’re still waiting for that person to come along.
Stuart Jamieson: Newcastle 2 Arsenal 1 (15.04.18)
If we’re talking about games when Benitez’s tactical nous has really shone through, then the 2-1 home win over Arsenal last April takes some beating.
It was their fourth consecutive Premier League victory and the perfect mix of discipline, defensive determination and attacking spark.
United were behind to Alexandre Lacazette’s 14th-minute opener, but stuck to their guns and continued to frustrate the Gunners while looking to hit on the break.
Ayoze Perez’s first-half equaliser was the perfect example of that – a lightning-quick break by DeAndre Yedlin resulting in a superb finish from the Spaniard.
Newcastle came under intense second-half pressure, but held firm, and were rewarded when Matt Ritchie coolly slotted past Petr Cech after another breakaway. A win in which every player had a key role – the Rafa Benitez way.
Sean McCormick: Brighton 1 Newcastle 2 (28.02.17)
It may not have been the most glamorous win but this win was a vindication of Rafa Benitez’s managerial methods.
His side stuck resolutely to his instructions, absorbed the Seagulls’ pressure and took their chances.
It was ruthlessly clinical and Newcastle went from being four points behind their major rivals in the Championship title race to two points in front of them in the space of 10 minutes.
It was the difference between winning the title and not in the end.