Matt Ritchie gave Newcastle United’s survival hopes a huge lift as they stunned Manchester United 1-0 at St James’ Park on Sunday, scoring the winner after 65 minutes with his first Premier League goal of the season. Not only did this strike secure a much needed three points for Rafa Benitez’s side, it also saw the Scotland international bring an end to a quite miserable record.
Ritchie emerged with 11 points from St James’ Park, taking his season tally to 111 points. But, most importantly, his winner against Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils ended a run of 43 shots without a Premier League goal – the longest barren streak seen in the division this season.
Playing on the right side of midfield, the 28-year-old had two tackles, made two interceptions, had four clearances, won two aerial duels, made one key pass, took two shots and scored the decisive goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory as he put in an impressive shift down the wing.
He hasn’t quite reached the heights that he achieved during his latest English top flight spell with Bournemouth, for whom he scored four goals in 37 Premier League appearances. However, those Draft Fantasy managers who own the Scot in 8.9% of leagues will be hoping his first successful strike in the division for Newcastle will catalyse a scoring spree.
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