Newcastle Back To Premier League
Rafa Benitez, Newcastle manager[/caption]
Newcastle United have clinched their return back to the English Premier League after an outstanding 4-1 victory over Preston North End 4-1 on a tense evening at St. James’ Park.A year after enduring the humiliation of relegation, Newcastle United’s manager, Rafa Benitez, returned his team to top flight football.
Ayoze Perez opened the scoring for the Magpies in the 5th minute, before Jordan Hugill leveled proceedings for Simon Grayson’s side.
Christian Atsu put the Magpies 2-1 up at half-time and nerves were settled after when Preston’s Paul Gallagher was sent off for handling on the line with Matt Ritchie lashing home from the spot.
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Perez got his second from close range to send Newcastle up with Brighton.
For Brighton and Hove Albion, it was their first promotion to the Premier League in their history.
Rafael Benitez’s side had taken only one point from their previous three matches, needed one more win to guarantee a top-two finish.
Newcastle are just the second side out of the last 18 relegated from the Premier League to bounce straight back up automatically.
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“I want to congratulate all players, staff and fans,” Benitez said.
“We knew it was difficult at the beginning.
“They said: ‘Rafa doesn’t know about the Championship’.
“It was tough but the hard work of the players and support of the fans made it easier.
“It is not easy to go up first team. In the end 88 points you can’t argue, some games were better than others but we are there.
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“We had a lot of episodes were decisions were special. We could be higher and have more points.
“We are we are and we are pleased to get up and enjoy.”
Isaac Hayden, a former Arsenal player, said winning promotion back to the Premier League with Newcastle United is the best moment of his career.
The 22-year-old said going up in his first campaign on Tyneside tops anything he’s experienced in the game to date.
“This genuinely feels like the start of something special. You don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself, but I think the club – if I’m being honest – it’s the first time since I’ve been here that everything’s in line,” said Rob Elliot, a defender for the team.
