Benitez: It was a difficult game, the win gives us a lot of satisfaction

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was full of praise for his side's fightback as they scored twice in the final nine minutes to beat Albion 2-1 at the Amex tonight.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2017, 22:50 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:28 BST

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Rafa Benitez pictured at the Amex tonight. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)Rafa Benitez pictured at the Amex tonight. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)
Rafa Benitez pictured at the Amex tonight. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)

Brighton led through Glenn Murray's 14th-minute penalty but goals in the final nine minutes from Mohamed Diame and substitute Ayoze Perez gave Newcastle all three points.

Benitez said: "It was difficult. When you play against a good team and when they have the advantage of the goal from the penalty that wasn't, it's always more difficult.

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"We had chances at the end of the first half and we started the second half trying to push and trying to control. The risk always could be the counter-attack because they have good pace and movement but we managed it well and still we created chances.

"In the end, we have to be pleased with the team work, with the performance of everyone, players on the pitch, players coming from the bench, everybody was giving everything.

"It's good to get three points against a very good team but I still have the same feeling that April will be crucial. Coming from behind against a very good team gives a lot of satisfaction."

Newcastle now head to fellow promotion hopefuls Huddersfield and Reading in their next two games and Benitez said: "It means we have confidence but we know they will be different and dangerous.

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"Huddersfield is doing well and Reading is doing well too and after that it's Fulham and then Birmingham. We know that there's still a lot of games to play and we have to make sure we continue working as hard as today and with the same confidence but with a lot of respect against some very good teams."

When asked if this game would grace the Premier League, Benitez said: "I think Chris and I would both sign for sure that we'd like this game to be in the Premier League."

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Related topics:NewcastleReadingBrightonGlenn MurrayHuddersfieldAyoze Perez