Rafa Benitez micro-managed Newcastle United in the relentless, teeming west Yorkshire rain, apparently oblivious to the fact he is the subject of a new version of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas.’ It wasn’t what the Spaniard anticipated when leaving Real Madrid but he continues to enhance his reputation with powers of alchemy.
These are base metals he is working with. The points, helping his team to 14th spot, cannot disguise that it is a poor Newcastle squad, lacking much depth in any department.
The supporters here to witness the win – one bare-chested and wearing felt reindeer antlers in sub-zero cold– have an idea what Benitez could only do with some money in his hands.