Newcastle match-winner Jamaal Lascelles calls on side to build on positive performance at Swansea 

  • Newcastle have set the standard, according to match-winner Jamaal Lascelles 
  • Defender rose to head home the winner for Magpies against Swansea on Sunday
  • Lascelles says it is down to the players to perform in the same way every week
  • Magpies were without Rafa Benitez on the touchline but they lifted their levels 

Jamaal Lascelles has challenged Newcastle to use their performance in the 1-0 victory at Swansea as a template to enjoy a strong season.

Skipper Lascelles capped a fine display that included an excellent goal-line clearance by heading home Matt Ritchie's 76th-minute corner to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for Newcastle.

'We have set a standard now,' the defender told Sky Sports Football.

Newcastle captain for the day Jamaal Lascelles made it two straight wins for the club

Newcastle captain for the day Jamaal Lascelles made it two straight wins for the club

Swansea offered little going forward and Lascelles rose high to head home the match winner

Swansea offered little going forward and Lascelles rose high to head home the match winner

'We will be hard to beat back home but if we play like this every week, we will do well. It is down to us to bring it every week.'


Newcastle were without manager Rafael Benitez after he was laid low by an infection following recent hernia surgery.

'The manager rang me this morning and told me to make sure the boys were on it. Hopefully he gets well soon and gets back with us,' added Lascelles.

Newcastle had arranged to put on a helicopter to fly Benitez to and from his Merseyside base but the Spaniard was not well enough to make the trip, although he was in contact with his staff throughout the day.

Lascelles was an effective performer in both penalty boxes as Newcastle sealed a late win

Lascelles was an effective performer in both penalty boxes as Newcastle sealed a late win

Newcastle fitness coach Francisco de Miguel Moreno was in the dugout on Sunday in Wales

Newcastle fitness coach Francisco de Miguel Moreno was in the dugout on Sunday in Wales

'I feel very happy and very glad for the performance of the players,' said fitness coach Francisco de Miguel Moreno, who was in charge at the Liberty Stadium.

'We have been working very hard during the week and now it is a good moment.

'Rafa has been quite active, speaking with one of the staff and that has worked. Everyone contributed and it was fine.

'Jamaal Lascelles has the spirit of a captain, without doubt. He manages everything so well and is involved in all situations.

'We need Rafa back as soon as possible. This week he will join us, probably on Tuesday.'

Newcastle's main source of concern during the contest came when they were spared from being reduced to 10 men after Ritchie produced the sort of high foot just after half-time which saw Sadio Mane sent off for Liverpool at Manchester City on Saturday.

'I had my eye on the ball but (Alfie) Mawson came lower than yesterday,' said Ritchie. 'I was delighted to see only a yellow card. I looked to the referee and I was lucky.'