Lascelles was keen to praise the side as a whole for a victory which saw yet another clean sheet for the Championship’s league leaders.
Leeds United’s Kemar Roofe in action with Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles hailed the team performance on display at Elland Road as Newcastle made it eight league wins on the bounce thanks to a 2-0 triumph against Leeds United, the Chronicle reports.
Two goals from Dwight Gayle was enough to keep Newcastle’s excellent run of form going, which has seen them open up a five-point lead at the top of the Championship – and are nine points clear of the play-off places.
Lascelles is quoted in the Chronicle, saying: “Keeping clean sheets, that’s my job. That’s my bread and butter.
“But this was a team performance. It starts from the front with Dwight closing down, the midfielders were solid putting passes in, then the back four work well as a unit.
“[Karl] Darlow was also unbelievable and made some crucial blocks and saves.”
The comments from the captain show a real sense of togetherness at Newcastle – and Lascelles seems determined for everyone to get their fair share of credit, even if it’s in areas they are possibly not renowned for being prolific in. While Gayle may have got the crucial goals, Lascelles was keen to pick up on his defensive work from the front.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle scores
With their main striker getting in among the goals, and good solid display when everyone played their part, it must leave a real sense of satisfaction among the squad, especially as their good work is being rewarded with several positive results and clean sheets which is reflected by their league position.
They will be looking to make it nine consecutive wins in the Championship when they face Blackburn Rovers at home next weekend, prior to the EFL Cup quarter-final tie against Hull City which seems to have generated a fair amount of excitement.
Rafa Benitez will have his side focussed on Blackburn first before turning his attention to Hull. He may make changes for the game to ensure that his squad is fresh, but it will definitely be a side that has the intention of taking all three points.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
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