Jose’s verdict on Newcastle

Jose Mourinho hailed the ‘phenomenal’ spirit of the team after securing a third win and 10 points in four matches in the space of 10 days with victory at Newcastle on Wednesday evening.

Heung-Min Son’s opener and a second half double from Harry Kane saw us home 3-1 at St James’ Park.

Harry’s first on the hour was crucial, handing us back the initiative just minutes after Matt Ritchie’s rocket had levelled Sonny’s strike in the first half. That was his 200th career goal and his 20th in 32 matches in all competitions this season. It’s the sixth successive season he’s hit 20-plus since his breakthrough campaign in 2014/15.

It was Jose's first Premier League win at the Toon - victory was key as we continue to chase European qualification.

“It was a very good result,” said Jose. “I think it’s an example of resilience. This is the fourth match separated by two days. We played against every team, and every team had more time to rest than us. Incredible effort by everyone.

“The players are not tired now. The players were tired before the game, and to play with this intensity, this spirit, I think is phenomenal. Again, the team was a team. The two guys coming from the bench made a difference, and that’s what a team is and I think we are building something that could be special, let’s try to win the next two matches.”

Jose agreed that Harry’s opener was key, with Ritchie’s equaliser a potential momentum changer.

He added: “With fatigue, it’s normal that people feel it and then the energy is not there to turn it around. I spoke with them at half-time again about mental strength. They didn’t have energy in their bodies, but you still have energy in your brain, and you have to go there and find it, find it and bring it, and they did it. They were fantastic.”