Manager Rafa Benitez saw his Newcastle United side go into the November international break in the best possible fashion as we took victory over Bournemouth last weekend.
A brace from on-loan West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon in the first half did the track, and with strong defensive efforts for the rest of the game, the visitors to St James’ Park couldn’t tie the affair up and we registered back to back victories to lift ourselves a little further away from the relegation zone.
Newcastle’s worst top-flight start in 120 years suddenly looks a little bit brighter and victory over Watford did appear to give everyone a boost, and Rondon in particular put in a much improved showing and it wasn’t just fans who took to social media to praise the big man – Alan Shearer got in on the trick as well.
Thank you! Really appreciate it! ????????⚫⚪
— Salomón Rondón (@salorondon23) November 10, 2018
The reaction from fans was reasonably predictable given the manner of his brace on the day.
Rondonaldinho ????????
— Ian Parry (@IParry23) November 10, 2018
Blimey, that means that I get to watch Match of the Day two weeks running. I had forgotten that it was a weekly series.
— Alistair Beattie (@AlBeattle) November 10, 2018
Said to me Dad – he’s the Venezuelan Shearer today!
— Mark Lightley (@Marklights_23) November 10, 2018
Second goal was Shearer-esque ????????♂️
— A.K.Blk????????♂️ (@BlackAliblack1) November 10, 2018
Last week I was in shock, now it’s just becoming the norm ???? pic.twitter.com/DtP2zai3TP
— Mike Bach (@michael_bach) November 10, 2018
Thought he was class today , was like an Alan shearer , goals , hold up play , drawing fouls and generally just a beast !!, and that 2nd goal , what a move and header⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️????????
— neil (@neil_armour) November 10, 2018
second goal was a peach, don't see many goals like that anymore
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyle5) November 10, 2018
And there were plenty more.