The defender powered home another headed winner which was a repeat of his decisive goal at Swansea last weekend. Three wins in a row for Newcastle – as Jamaal Lascelles clinched it again.
The defender powered how another headed winner which was a repeat of his decisive goal at Swansea last weekend.
Christian Atsu opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Xherdan Shaqiri equalised for the Potters.
Victory sent Newcastle into fourth in a positive start to their season.
1. Atsu.... bless you
It was right winger Matt Ritchie who presented it on a plate with a wonderful left foot cross.
2. Frustrating Shaqiri still a game changer
The trickster has boss Mark Hughes huffing and puffing in exasperation for much of the match.
Shaqiri lost possession, ambled around and had little inpact.
But when he comes alive his is dangerous. Collecting a ball 35 yards out he bustled past Astu and smashed home. Game on, until....
3. A nod to captain Jamaal Lascelles
Another towering header from the big defender. A repeat of his smashing effort against Swansea last Sunday.
Stick the ball in the bar from his ten yards out and his attacks it like a proper centre half. Another match winner.
4. Rafa Benitez back after illness and what a pick-me-up
The United boss missed their win at Swansea after a hernia operation, but was back at work this week.
He was in the dug-out but stayed in his heated chair, letting his assistants do the jumping around and shouting.
He did allow himself a stretch and a stroll when Atsu scored. Just the tonic.
5. Could Joselu get one over on Mark Hughes? No.
The big striker says he wasn’t given a proper chance by Stoke boss Mark Hughes.
He switched to Newcastle for £5m this summer and has become a popular player on the terraces.
He is mobile, sticks to the game plan and runs the line alone better than his transfer fee suggests.
However he flopped big time in front of goal missing three big chances.
He slid one shot wide and hit Jack Butland, both when free on goal.
Then he sent the easiest one on the volley over the bar.
6. Benitez getting on with the job and staying positive
The coach was not happy with the summer transfer window, but admits the time for “fighting” is over.
Now his job is to improve the team, and used his coaching prowess to make them greater than the sum of their parts.
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