Newcastle United earned Rafael Benitez a first win as manager and boosted their Premier League survival prospects with a vital 3-0 victory over Swansea City on Saturday.
Newcastle’s hopes of remaining in the top flight had looked slim following a dire performance in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Southampton.
Benitez made five changes to the starting XI in response to that display and the Spaniard’s team selection was vindicated on his birthday, with Newcastle earning their reward for a much-improved showing.
Jamaal Lascelles, who came in for Steven Taylor in the back four as part of the alterations, opened the scoring in the 40th minute, heading home only his second goal for the club from Andros Townsend’s corner.
Jefferson Montero and Bafetimbi Gomis both spurned big chances for Swansea before Moussa Sissoko’s first goal of the campaign and Townsend’s late third sealed a result that, combined with north-east rivals Sunderland’s 3-0 win at Norwich City, moves Newcastle within three points of safety with five games to play.
~Goal.com