Hopes to break duck dive with Smalling
the Portuguese has failed to emerge victorious in the league here. Two cup wins while with Chelsea are scant consolations.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka laid early claim to cult-hero status on Tyneside with the kind of debut of which dreams are made, the Slovakian pulling off half a dozen stunning saves, which in addition to at least three goal-line clearances from his new team-mates somehow saw the visitors return across the Pennines without a point to their name.
Newcastle went against type by going straight for the jugular from the first whistle, helped by a because of your state of mind,” said Mourinho, who hauled an ineffectual Paul Pogba off midway through the second half.
He added: “Newcastle’s players fought for their lives. For me, it was a beautiful thing. After certain defeats, Sir Bobby told me a few times, ‘Don’t be so semi-comatose start from Manchester United.
It almost brought the Magpies the lead inside five minutes when it took a fine save from David De Gea to beat out a fierce long-range shot from Shelvey on the edge of the area. Then Ayoze Perez fired narrowly wide from similar range.
Another January signing, Islam Slimani, had also hoped to make his debut, only for the loanee from Leicester to remain sidelined with a thigh problem, so it was left to Dubravka to make a strong first impression.
After pushing Jesse Lingard’s low shot to safety at his near post, sad – think about the happiness of the other side’.
“Newcastle’s players and fans and everyone associated with the club is very happy with this result. The gods of football weren’t with us, so I have that little smile for Sir Bobby, even though I’m disappointed.”
Mourinho criticised his side’s defending after they the 29-year-old excelled again by coming out to block from Anthony Martial when the forward had been put through by Nemanja Matic.
Newcastle’s rearguard action continued after the break, Romelu Lukaku’s header ruled out for pushing before Alexis Sanchez left three defenders trailing only to see his shot from a narrow angle deflected into the side netting.
A goal appeared imminent but when it arrived it was at the other end, as Ritchie confidently dispatched his first of the season to elicit the maximum punishment for Smalling’s act of folly as failed to deal with Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick in the build up to the goal.
“It’s not a dangerous position and the players know where they have to be but we missed the challenge in the air,” said Mourinho.
Toon boss Rafa Benitez said: “It’s a big boost for us and gives us belief we can compete with big teams.” he attempted to con the officials when challenging for the ball with Shelvey.
The celebrations were raucous, but it was a brief respite as Dubravka was called upon to beat out an Ashley Young shot, before Martial had two efforts blocked on the line, one by DeAndre Yedlin, the other by Gayle as the hosts stood firm to record a first victory over top-six opposition this season.
Salvation is by no means yet certain, but if by hook or by crook it is secured under the guidance of the wily Benitez, perhaps they might like to rename St James’ Park ‘Rafa’s home’.
NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):