Gayle scored a hat-trick, which included a stoppage time winner, in Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 win over Norwich City.
Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring the fourth goal for Newcastle United
Newcastle United forward Dwight Gayle has hailed the side’s team spirit after they fought from 3-1 down to snatch a dramatic 4-3 win over Norwich City, the Chronicle reports.
Gayle opened the scoring in the game and found the net on a further two occasions to complete his hat-trick and secure what could be a precious win for the Magpies in their pursuit of promotion back to the Premier League, even at this early stage of the season.
The forward told the Chronicle: “You want to score last minute winners like that.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
“To do it in front of our own fans at St James’ Park was just unreal. You can tell from our celebrations at the end and the way we were together how close we are.
“At 3-1 down to win 4-3 shows great team spirit.”
It was clear after the winning goal there is something of a togetherness in this Newcastle side and it seems everyone gets on at both a playing and managerial level – which was perhaps demonstrated in the best way by Aleksandar Mitrovic amusingly giving Rafa Benitez a bear hug at the end of the game.
It could prove to be a big factor for Newcastle this season in what is going to be a long and challenging campaign for them.
Yoan Gouffran scores the third goal for Newcastle United
It is also a huge win over rivals for a place in the automatic promotion spot. Going into stoppage time last night, Newcastle were set to be seven points off the summit, instead that gap is now three and they are just the one point behind Norwich who are second in the table.
There is another big game before the international break when they travel to Rotherham this weekend. A different kind of challenge but another win will continue something of a feel good factor surrounding the club.
Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring the fourth goal for Newcastle United
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