The Magpies boss initially criticised his goalkeeper for his role in Willy Boly’s late goal in Monday night’s Premier League game at Molineux.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez appears to have done a U-turn on his feelings on Martin Dubravka for his role in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ equaliser in Monday night’s Premier League 1-1 draw at Molineux.
The Magpies headed into the latter stages of the game a goal to the good after Isaac Hayden had opened the scoring on 56 minutes, latching on to Fabian Schar’s pass and wrong-footing goalkeeper Rui Patricio with his low effort.
Although Wolves dominated proceedings in the first half and created numerous chances in the second, they appeared unable to break down the tenacious Newcastle back line, but in the 95th minute, Boly climbed above Dubravka to head in Adama Traore’s lofted cross.
Initially, Benitez appeared to suggest that his goalkeeper should have done better, telling Sky Sports News at full time: “We know that it is England and people will come against the keeper so he has to be strong enough.”
However, the Spaniard is subsequently quoted by The Guardian as saying: “In England they don’t understand the rules… the six-yard box is there to protect the keeper. You have to protect the keeper. We have been here for years and it’s still very difficult to explain that.”
Despite the deflating finish to the game, the result means that Newcastle have picked up seven points from their last four Premier League games (two wins, a draw and a defeat), one more than they managed in their previous nine fixtures in the competition (one win, three draws and five defeats), according to BBC Sport.
Up next for the Magpies, currently 16th in the table and one point above the relegation zone, is a relegation six-pointer against Huddersfield Town on February 23.
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