Newcastle United finally secured their first victory of the Premier League season on Saturday, coming at the 11th time of asking as they edged past Watford.
Ayoze Perez scored the only goal of the game to defeat Javi Gracia’s in-form Hornets side, with three points seeing the Magpies rise out of the relegation zone.
While the Spaniard earned plaudits after his first goal of the season secured the win, separate praise was shared on social media for Chelsea loanee Kenedy – who caught the eye with a superb challenge in the second half to quell a threatening Watford attack.
That tackle provided the basis for plenty of the praise he earned from fans on Twitter but others identified his overall performance as a positive for the Magpies, believing his form will be crucial in the coming weeks as Newcastle fight for consistency.
We have gathered some of the best reactions below.
https://twitter.com/TimTurner89/status/1059199287245107200
I know we won with a great goal and tremendous second half yesterday, but the highlight of the game for me was Kenedy running 60 yards back to clean up after Paul Dummett and stop a goal #NUFC
— AJ (@TheAndylorian) November 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/chrisjwerswell/status/1059083430082809856
That tackle by Kenedy though, that's what we need more of. I think he is a confidence player and his does drop when it isn't going well, but he is trying, you can see that! Proper like the lad! #nufc
— Darren (@Delightfulidiot) November 4, 2018
Kenedy is up and down with form but the guy just doesn't stop running, doesn't stop trying, doesn't stop caring. I'll be gutted when he's back at Chelsea. Showing all the heart @elgalgojonas used to on that left side! His last ditch tackle was my highlight of the game #NUFC
— CC (@JamesHunt07) November 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/JohnMul07/status/1059181885375635457
That Kenedy tackle yesterday made me take back a lot of what I’ve said about him this season. Had a brilliant game yesterday from a defensive perspective, and that tackle is as good as a goal. #NUFC
— nathan (@toddsta96) November 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/dustyrerds/status/1058767059058868226
Kenedy surely man of the match absolutely outstanding! Schar and Ki brilliant cameos. Has to be said Perez stepped up when needed. #nufc
— Highland Geordie (@NUFC_Oscar86_) November 3, 2018