Festive period has been positive for Newcastle despite criticism after Man City defeat

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle took three points from a crucial week and given themselves the opportunity to kick on.

There was plenty of criticism of Newcastle United’s performance against Manchester City on Wednesday night as they fell to a 1-0 defeat.

Rafa Benitez masterminded a plan that saw the Magpies defend for 80 minutes and attack for the final 10, but it did not quite pay off as Dwight Gayle squandered a late chance.

Despite fury from some neutrals at the display, though, there were plenty of positives for Benitez to take from the match – and that has been the theme of Newcastle’s festive period so far.

Heading to West Ham United on December 23 having lost eight of their last nine, Newcastle have scored three times, conceded three times and taken three points from two difficult games.

The results as well as the nature of the performances have given Benitez and his side plenty of encouragement heading into Saturday’s meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion.

And their mood will have been boosted further still by the mixed fortunes of other sides at the bottom, allowing Newcastle to climb out of the relegation zone and start eyeing up a return to mid-table.

Benitez must not allow criticism of his approach to the City game to overshadow what has been an extremely positive week.

Newcastle may have lost on Wednesday, but their belief can only have improved after running the Premier League’s best side so close in the final stages.