Matt Ritchie was replaced on 67 minutes by Christian Atsu in the win against Huddersfield at the weekend, but he didn’t let that stop him joining in with the celebrations after Ayoze Perez scored the winning goal.
Some players would have been a bit unhappy after being taken off with the game still in the balance, but Matt showed how much of a team player he is, running out from the dugout when the winner went in, contrasting Rafa’s more composed manner:
Ritchie looked gutted to come off yesterday, his celebration off the bench though, tells you everything about our team! #NUFC #StillBuzzing pic.twitter.com/I5tm0ujdOY
— Triad85 (@Triad85) 1 April 2018
Here are some of the comments from fans on Twitter:
Love Matt Ritchie and also the passion our current crop of players are showing
— Linda HOME Bullows (@Lindy1892) 1 April 2018
team player, no sulking
? 9 December 1892 (@ChrisMc1892) 1 April 2018
Ritchie. What a man. He’s like a second captain. People may knock his lack of pace, or that he doesn’t do loads of skills, but what he’s done for our club won’t be forgotten by any true fan. You can tell how much it means to him to play for us. So nice to have players that care
? DannyyK2 (@DannyyK2) 1 April 2018
Exactly. Rafa has built a team full of graft & spirit.
? Saikat Sanyal (@CorkingToon) 1 April 2018
It’s amazing how Rafa has united the club and fans…I haven’t heard one player complain about not playing…take atsu for example, was playing well, scoring the odd goal then on the bench last while and no complaints..Clark, merino, Perez, Ritchie all similar…kudos Rafa!
? NUFC4EVA (@RafasTheMan) 1 April 2018
Love that!
? Jamie Swan (@JamieSwan1) 1 April 2018
Absolutely love this!!
? Davey Whizzbang (@daveynicnufc) 1 April 2018
There`s been too many comments about our squad being Championship players. They are now stepping up and deserve more respect.
? Dan McAlinden (@dannymc21) 1 April 2018
He celeabrates defending just as much as forward play….he’s the hardest working player i have seen since Keegan.
? Darren Macdonald (@dazronmac) 1 April 2018
Team work makes the Dream work
? bob robinson (@bobjimrob) 1 April 2018
Verdict:
Our manager has built a squad of players that are united behind him and the cause. When we were last in the Premier League, it was clear we had assembled a group of individuals rather than a team, and it showed in the performances.
Our no.11’s celebrations from the touchline shows a player who cares more about the result, rather than focusing solely on his own performance. It’s great to see a team so determined to get the three points.