Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was full of praise for his players after his side achieved a crucial 1-0 win away to relegation rivals Huddersfield today.
David Wagner’s Terriers dominated the game with a whopping 74% possession, but Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon slotted home against the run of play in the 55th minute to secure a massive three points for Benitez’s side.
Speaking after the game Spanish coach Benitez credited his players for their effort and also revealed how his game plan to hit Huddersfield on the counter had worked to perfection.
“I said so many times this group of players deserves credit and today they came together and worked hard,’’ Benitez told BBC Sport.
“We gave the ball away a little bit in the first half, but in the second half we were better organised. The idea was to exploit them on the counter attack and exploit the space behind them.
“We scored a goal and then scored another that was not offside. We have to give credit to our players against a team who always go forward.
“Against a team so close to us in the table, and to get three points, it was a good achievement.
“I told my players if we make two or three passes we will get behind them and that’s what happened.
“My players are doing well but we can improve little things. Today it was clear with a couple more details we would have had more chances.”
Saturday’s result sees Newcastle climb to 14th, while Huddersfield remain in the relegation zone.