Newcastle United secured a massive Premier League victory against Leicester City on Friday night and some Newcastle fans have singled out an unlikely player as their man of the match.
A goal from Ayoze Perez was enough to secure a 1-0 win at King Power stadium, but it was Isaac Hayden who received all the plaudits on the final whistle.
Rafa Benitez employed a masterful game plan against The Foxes, with Hayden being one of the key components.
Newcastle’s forwards and Hayden pushed high and applied pressure from the halfway line, the midfielder proving the biggest handful .
He constantly harried Leicester’s defenders throughout the first half, giving them no time on the ball.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
On several occasions he got the better of them too, winning the ball in dangerous areas to create quick counter attacks.
His tireless work in the first 45 minutes was key to Newcastle fighting off any potential Leicester threat.
He constantly disrupted their rhythm and won the night’s midfield battle through sheer hard work.
In the second half Hayden sat deeper as Newcastle fought to hold their one-nil lead, but he continued to stifle The Foxes.
The ex-Arsenal man has already been praised for his recent form, but the significance of this result has led to more than ever.
The Leicester victory sees the Toon on 38 points for the season, ten more than 18th placed Cardiff.
It would now take a miraculous run from the Welsh side to escape relegation and Newcastle look safe.
As it is probably Hayden’s last season for the club, Newcastle supporters have been quick to recognise his contribution.
Newcastle fans react to Hayden performance
https://twitter.com/furrygiblets/status/1116811499929055232
https://twitter.com/chrisjwerswell/status/1116807247538151429
