Rafa Benitez is looking to guide Newcastle United back into the Premier League after being relegated to the Championship last term.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United may have been relegated from the Premier League last season but the impact that manager Rafa Benitez has made is there for all to see as the club look to make an immidiate return to the top flight.
Arguably the damage had already been done when Benitez took over in March last term yet the Spaniard still helped the Magpies end the season having gone six games unbeaten and had it not been for an equally impressive run by relegation rivals Sunderland, the club would have kept their Premier League status.
Newcastle’s final match last season against Tottenham Hotspur in which they beat the title contenders 5-1 at St. James’ Park displayed just how much Benitez had changed the club in such a short period as they now look to rebuild in the second tier and come back stronger.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scores the second goal for Newcastle in the 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur
And United have started the Championship campaign in impressive fashion, righting off the disappointment of the opening two matches with six straight victories in all competitions, the last five of which have been without conceding a single goal.
But there is one stat in particular that epitomises the extent of Benitez’s impact on Tyneside and that is in his 18 matches as Newcastle manager, his side have never lost a second half.
In the past the Magpies were often victims of goals soon after half-time or towards the end of the match and while that hasn’t completely been eradicated – see the Norwich City result as a prime example – Newcastle’s ability to remain strong and fight in the second half is a key reason as to why they are avoiding defeat so often.
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey celebrates with Matt Ritchie and teammates after scoring their second goal
With 10 wins and six draws in the second half shows Benitez’s side are performing when it matters, and there has also been an improvement in the first half performances as well, with the team losing just three of the last 14.
With 14 second half clean sheets, Newcastle are looking a much more resolute side defensively as well under Benitez.
In contrast, Steve McClaren’s final 18 games in charge saw United win just three and lose 11 second halfs which contributed heavily to the club’s relegation.
McClaren’s Newcastle also shipped on average one goal per second half whereas Benitez’s side have conceded an average of 0.27 goals in the same period of the match.
It’s worth noting that seven of Benitez’s match have been in the Championship against arguably lesser opposition but still the change is clear to see as Newcastle look to continue their fine run at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
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