Rafa Benitez reveals how Dwight Gayle's 17th Newcastle goal came straight off the training pitch

Rafa Benitez says Dwight Gayle's 17th goal of the season came straight off the training pitch.
Dwight Gayle, rightDwight Gayle, right
Dwight Gayle, right

Jonjo Shelvey used his vision to find winger Matt Ritchie on the left with an intelligent pass.

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Gayle flicked the ball past Burton goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

"It was our idea," said United manager Benitez.

"We were thinking about attacking this way. We had two or three chances on the counter attack where we could do similar.

"This one was maybe the best. If we'd got two or three more doing the same, it would have been more the same, but we couldn't, and you have to give credit to them."

Nigel Clough's spirited Burton side levelled through Lloyd Dyer, but Mohamed Diame scored what turned out to be the winning goal in the 34th minute.

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"It's difficult to play the way you want to play when they are so physical and the pitch doesn't allow you to pass the ball properly," said Benitez.

"But, overall, I would say a great game, great attitude and great team spirit and character."