My most important goal – Bernard

Last updated : 03 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Admittedly it was only the fifth of his United career, but even so he finished it in impressive style.

"It is the most important goal I have scored for Newcastle United and I could not have picked a better time to do it," the rapidly improving Frenchman told the Evening Chronicle.

"It was a massive result for us because we have now opened up a big gap between ourselves and Chelsea. It was a vital match for both teams, but now we have left them waiting for us to make mistakes and slip up.

"It goes without saying that I was delighted to get the winner because it was only my second goal of the season and a bit different from the one I scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"Now we are level with Manchester United in second position on the same points. We have Wednesday's game with Middlesbrough coming up and if we win that one then we can start thinking about finishing in second place.

"But the first objective has to be to qualify for the Champions League again. This is the most important thing."