Chris Hughton is delighted with Newcastle spirit
Chris Hughton hailed the team spirit at Newcastle after they defeated Sunderland 5-1 at St James Park on Sunday, 31 October.
There had been rumours that Hughton was going to be sacked by the club last week after a number of poor results, but the club issued a statement backing the manager.
Newcastle’s dramatic 5-1 win has helped to ease that pressure and the manager said, “I can't do anything about my contract situation, all I can do is the best job I can."
Hughton believes that the mentality and spirit of his team has made his job a lot easier and he said, “I'm helped by a group of spirited players that are capable of anything. They are playing in a very, very tough league and I'm buoyed on by them."
Newcastle went 3-0 up against their local rivals in the first half before adding two more in the second.
The 51-year-old admitted that it would have been a fantastic achievement if his side had kept out Sunderland.
“It would have been special for the back four and keeper to come away with a clean sheet, but Sunderland are a handful up front and we defended well," said the Newcastle manager.
Hughton refused to comment on individual performances and said, "It's difficult to pick out one player on a day which was very special for the team."
The Newcastle manager also praised the Newcastle fans for their role this season and for the noise and atmosphere they created in the derby win.
"The crowd chanting is a nice feeling. They're a fantastic crowd. Anybody who hasn't been to St James' before now knows what it's like."
Newcastle will hope to back up their win when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 7 November.
Hughton knows that the Arsenal game will be a different test, but he will bring his Newcastle team to London in confident mood.
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