Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Rafa Benitez: My thoughts on Newcastle overtaking Brighton to Championship top spot
RAFA BENITEZ was a happy man as Newcastle ensured they will end 2016 at the top of the Championship table after gaining revenge over Nottingham Forest.
Rafa Benitez thrilled to take top spot
Four weeks after seeing his side lose 2-1 at Nottingham Forest and having Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett wrongly sent off, Benitez looked on as Forest skipper Matt Mills saw red and Newcastle ran out 3-1 winners at St James' Park.
The victory, coupled with the postponement of leaders Brighton's home clash with Cardiff, sent Newcastle back into first place and left a smile on Benitez's face.
He said: "I am really pleased because obviously it's not an easy league. I think we have won 17 games now, so I think that's quite good.
Dwight Gayle bagged twice against Nottingham Forest
"We have lost some games, but still we are winning a lot of games.
"We have a good team working very hard, and then in the bad moments, we need these experiences.
"And we have had a lot of very good moments, so that is the main thing for me, keep doing that and try to improve the little things that can can improve."
Rafa Benitez thrilled with Dwight Gayle progress this season
Dwight Gayle, who bagged twice against Forest, is now just one goal away from becoming the first Magpie since Alan Shearer to hit 20 in a season.
When asked about the striker, Benitez added: "We said at the beginning that he's a good player who works for the team, but at the same time, can score goals.
"So I am really pleased for him and really pleased for the team."