Jaap Stam gives his verdict on 'lucky' Newcastle

Jaap Stam says Newcastle United have "earned" their luck this season.
Jaap StamJaap Stam
Jaap Stam

Rafa Benitez's side take on Stam's Reading at the Madejski Stadium tonight (8pm kick-off).

Newcastle have beaten Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion in the past seven days.

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Mohamed Diame admitted he "got lucky" with his goal at the Amex Stadium, while the Championship leaders scored from a disputed penalty at the John Smith's Stadium.

And Reading manager Stam referenced the "luck" he feels United have had of late in his programme notes.

"Newcastle United are a team of real quality," said the former Manchester United defender.

"They have invested heavily to put together a squad with considerable strength and depth, and they've also had that little bit of luck on their side recently, luck that teams at the top of the table so often earn.

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"With their ability, they can score goals from all over the pitch – in so many different ways – but I watched their equaliser at Brighton only a week ago and sometimes you need a bit of luck.

"We have to be aware of their threat going forward, though, and at the same time look to take advantage of any spaces they might leave at the back.

"We actually played quite well at St James's Park at the start of the season. We scored a goal and created other chances, but we conceded too many goals from set-pieces, and they rightly punished us.

"So tonight is going to be another very tough game, but it's going to be interesting. And we're going to work very hard to try to get a result."

Newcastle lead second-placed Brighton by five points, while fifth-placed Reading are 13 points behind them.

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