If anything could encapsulate the extremity of existence at Newcastle United, it was on Sunday when manager Rafa Benitez and his players finished a blissful day in 13th, smothered in praise by Jose Mourinho. Matt Ritchie's 65th-minute goal earned the hosts a 1-0 victory and left United a whopping 16 points behind leaders Manchester City. Newcastle played with their lives and defended with their lives," Mourinho told the BBC, having earlier described the opposition as fighting "like animals". Mourinho reckoned that Newcastle players "went over all the limits in their efforts and sacrifices" and he was right. They showed more desire late on when Pogba went off for Michael Carrick and still found Newcastle players making every sacrifice to protect their lead.

Source: BBC February 12, 2018 21:00 UTC