Newcastle United defeated Bristol City 1-0 at Ashton Gate at the weekend.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez shakes hands with Jack Colback after the game
Newcastle United ace Jack Colback put in his best performance of the season thus far as his side won their first Championship away game with a 1-0 victory against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
The Magpies made a slow start to the season as they bid for an immediate return to the Premier League, losing 1-0 at Fulham on the opening day before a 2-1 home defeat to Huddersfield Town.
But since then victory at Bristol City has followed a 4-1 win over Reading, and there is a sense that the Newcastle players are getting to grips with the scrappy, competitive nature of the Championship.
Newcastle’s Jack Colback before the game
Colback didn’t do himself service in his opening games, yet on Saturday the former Sunderland man showed his ability as he completely dominated the midfield and provided a shield for his back four.
| Tackles | Interceptions | Effective Clearances | Duels Won | Ball Recoveries | Touches | Chances Created | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Colback | 6 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 62 | 1 | 90 |
As shown by the table provided by Opta, Colback posted impressive statistics in a number of key areas as Rafa Benitez’s men snuffed out the host’s attacking threat and deservedly won the game.
The 26-year-old posted an impressive two internceptions, three effective clearances, four ball recoveries, six tackles and a whopping nine defensive duels won – more than anybody else on the pitch.
A general view inside Ashton Gate
In possession he was reliable and got Newcastle moving, taking 62 touches and creating one chance.
The deep-lying midfielder is often criticised for drifting in and out of games while picked up for his lack of creativity, yet at the weekend he was making purposeful passes and looking to move the ball forwards.
It’s another step in the right direction for the Magpies, and some feel it will only be a matter of time before Coleback and his teammates really hit their stride and start looking down on the Championship from the top.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
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