Rafa Benitez was full of praise for his Newcastle side after they earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the game, a second half goal from Salomon Rondon secured all three points for the Magpies, moving them six points clear of the relegation zone in the process.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Benitez was all too happy to discuss how pleased he was with the way his Newcastle side dug in for the win.
"
"We tried to play on the counterattack and defend well, against a good team. They were pushing, with a lot of crosses, balls in the air and when they wouldn't do that they tried to do it with penetrating passes through the middle instead."
FULL TIME Huddersfield Town 0-1 Newcastle United
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 15, 2018
Big @salorondon23's fourth goal in his last six games gives the Magpies a vital second away win of the season!
Match report: https://t.co/JPMiWSzyZG #NUFC pic.twitter.com/ocB82rsK5C
Newcastle did struggle in the first half and Benitez was quick to point out how much the Magpies ended up improving after the half time interval.
"We had to deal with all these situations, but in the first half we gave the ball away a little bit cheaply," he said.
"We were stronger in the second half and they didn't have the space, it wasn't easy for them, and we knew we would have to play on the counterattack.
"We scored a goal, we had another which was not offside, but that's it - we got the three points. They are a good team, they worked hard and will do until the end. We have to carry on and I'm sure they will do too."
Source : 90min