It was a night of celebrations at St James Park, as Newcastle United regained their spot in the top flight football with a 4-1 win over Preston North End. It was time for redemption for Rafa Benitez’s men after being relegated to the Sky Bet Championship last season.
Newcastle has been playing as an indomitable unit throughout their Championship campaign, with a number of players taking the onus to put the team back into the Premier League. The Magpies fans, along with coach Rafa Benitez must be thankful to the following players for making their coveted dream of earning a place back into top flight football come true-
Dwight Gayle-
The English striker has been in prolific form for the Magpies, scoring 22 goals in 32 appearances this season. The 26-year-old has been a threat from both set piece situations and open play for Newcastle United. His pinpoint passing into the attacking third to set up his teammates and darting runs down the left wing has made him one of the most valued players in the Championship this season. He is almost certain to be a part of the Magpies in their new season in the Premier League.
Jonjo Shelvey-
Jonjo Shelvey joined the Newcastle setup during their last season in the Premier League from Swansea City and remained an integral part of the team during their campaign in the Sky Bet Championship. His loyalty to the club has been impressive to the fans as well as manager Rafa Benitez. Apart from his accurate passing and ball control, the Englishman also has the knack to chip in with goals from time to time, which has made him one of the highly rated midfielders to play in the Championship this season. His towering presence in the midfield for Newcastle United was a very important reason for the Magpies to make their way back into the Premier League.
Matt Ritchie-
Paired with Dwight Gayle, this 26-year old Scottish forward made inroads into opposition defence to score 12 goals for the Magpies in the Championship this season. His pinpoint passing of the ball and darting runs into the heart of the opposition defence has made him a firm favourite among the Newcastle fans. With an exceptional ability to score goals from both set piece and open play, he is not a player whom Rafa Benitez would look to offload in his next season as manager, as his side Newcastle United once again got promoted in the Premier League.
