OPINION
Newcastle United secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on Saturday, as Rafael Benitez’s side gave their survival hopes a big boost.
Attackers Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez were on target as the Magpies eased to the win at St James, Park, and Benitez will be hugely pleased with his players.
Newcastle are now in a great position to secure their top flight survival for another season and with it, perhaps, the future of their treasured manager.
As usual there is plenty to be gleaned from the game, and This is Futbol has rounded up three things that can be learned from Newcastle’s big Saturday victory.
Yedlin back to top form
Wing back DeAndre Yedlin roared back to form against Huddersfield after his horror show against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
The United States of America international is one of Benitez’s most trusted players, but he hasn’t had a particularly good campaign this time around. However, this was a step in the right direction following his trouble against Wolves.
He helped put pressure on the Terriers backline with an energetic display and was a constant thorn in the opposition’s side. If he can keep this kind of form up then it will be a big boost for his team moving forward.
Almiron shows what the fuss is about
Miguel Almiron’s full debut against Huddersfield was one of the most anticipated in recent memory, and boy did the Paraguay international deliver on the hype at St James’ Park.
He was absolutely superb on Saturday, hitting the post and making life miserable for Huddersfield from start to finish. It was clear from this showing just why Benitez wanted him so much in January.
The former Atlanta United man was given a standing ovation when he came off and it was thoroughly deserved. The Newcastle fans have instantly taken him to their hearts and it’s easy to see why – he’s going to be a big player for this team in the years to come.
Longstaff simply undroppable
Sean Longstaff has made a stunning impact on this Newcastle team since the turn of the year, and his meteoric rise shows no sign of stopping anytime soon after another terrific outing.
He was absolutely dominant and has established a wonderful partnership with the previously much-maligned Isaac Hayden. It’s clear that he elevates the play of his team mates, something which is a clear sign of a top player.
The youngster was another player who was denied by the frame of the goal, and a strike would have been a welcome addition to what was a superb performance. Benitez simply cannot drop him at the moment, he’s been that good recently.