Benitez: We are playing with passion

Posted Thursday, April 21, 2016 by Foxsports.com

Rafael Benitez hailed his team's passion and commitment after coming away with a point against Manchester City on Tuesday night.

The Magpies found themselves a goal behind within fifteen minutes – Sergio Aguero controversially scoring his 100th goal for the Citizens from an offside position.

However, Benitez's team rallied magnificently and, on the back of terrific performances from Vurnon Anita and captain Moussa Sissoko, managed to equalise and hold out for a much-needed point.

The Newcastle manager was justifiably delighted with the result.

"I have to be pleased because against a team like Manchester City – to do what we have done from 1-0 down – the reaction of the team… you have to be pleased," the Spaniard told reporters after the match.

"The team has more belief now, the fans are behind the players and they will fight to the end. Today was an example of that.

"Vurnon Anita is very clever, he knows when he has to go forward. The players are doing what they have to do, they are playing with passion, with the commitment that the fans expect.

"Everything was so positive today, so it's just a pity we couldn't score the second goal."

On the topic of the opening goal, an Aguero header, which clearly should have been disallowed for offside, Benitez remained diplomatic.

"I haven’t seen the replay of Sergio Aguero’s goal but they tell me he was offside. You cannot change anything. I think they should get it right but we cannot change it."

The 19th-placed Magpies are two points away from safety, with Norwich currently occupying the 17th league position.