Former Arsenal star and BBC Sport pundit Martin Keown has singled out a trio of Newcastle United individuals for top praise after seeing the Magpies pull off a 1-1 draw with Everton on Wednesday night.
The Toffees were pegged back in the first half at Goodison Park through a Salomon Rondon goal, Brazilian maestro Richarlison also netting in the first 45 minutes to rescue a point for Marco Silva and his men.
Speaking after the game, Keown picked out defensive powerhouse Federico Fernandez and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, as well as manager Rafael Benitez, for individual praise.
He told Match of the Day (05/12, 22:45): “They defended fantastically well. Fernandez there – what a block that is by the way – getting everything in the way.
“Richarlison eventually scores before half time and there was a bit of an onslaught but they dug in, every one of them. Benitez just keeps working his magic, getting the necessary points.
“Dubravka there, look at that for a save, he was on it today. Benitez, he has my admiration, he’s an outstanding manager.”
Opinion
Keown might have only picked out three Newcastle men in his analysis but there are plenty of others among their squad who can be proud of how they performed at Goodison Park. However, the duo he named – Fernandez and Dubravka – were probably two of the stand out performers, something which has been a common occurrence in all their games this season. The former Swansea centre back is looking like an inspired signing from Benitez, even though many of the Toon Army would have been left scratching their heads over why the squad needed another centre back. As for Dubravka, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League already – and he has not even been at St James’ Park for a year yet. He is commanding of his box, a great organiser of the men standing in front of him in defence and when the opposition do break through, a brilliant shot stopper. Benitez has got his side well drilled and difficult to break down and deserves the praise coming his way for this performance, for anyone would find it difficult to find a way through this Magpies side.