After a dreadful start to the season, things are beginning to look up for Rafa Benitez and his Newcastle United team.
Newcastle only managed to get their first league win of the season last weekend, and today they made it two wins in a row with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
Benitez spoke after the game about how well his players had performed today against a confident Bournemouth team who have enjoyed a very positive start to the season.
“We knew that they would be difficult because they have had good form and are doing well. We have to give credit to our players, they were very good. They gave everything and the atmosphere was good,” Benitez told the BBC.
“We have done well in some games but that was one of the best mentalities and the way we competed for the ball.”
Benitez singled out Newcastle striker, Salomon Rondon, for special praise after two goals and a great overall display from the Venezuelan international.
“[Salomon] Rondon did well, he has to improve his fitness but he was working well and trying to fight the defenders. He shows what he can do and is giving us something different.
“They changed their play in the second half so we had to change ours and they were losing players to a few knocks.
“We did well, they have pace and ability up front but we had to take chances and finish the game.”
Today’s victory lifts Newcastle up to 14th in the Premier League as we enter the final international break of the calendar.