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Gaby's Got The Joy Of Sets
Written by Newcastle Utd
Gabriel Obertan set up United's first goal at Swansea, and told nufc.co.uk it felt as good as scoring
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Gabriel Obertan had an assist-making return to the Newcastle United starting line-up on Saturday, and admitted it felt as good as finding the back of the net.
With half-time approaching at the Liberty Stadium and the Magpies one down against Swansea, Obertan picked up the ball wide on the right, ran at Neil Taylor and made himself half a yard before delivering to the near post.
It was an inch-perfect cross which was duly swept home by Papiss Cisse, as United went on to claim a 2-2 draw against their high-flying opponents.
For Obertan, the game marked his first Barclays Premier League start since March 2013, and after some impressive cameos over the past couple of months, the wide man knows exactly what he needs to do to hold down a regular starting spot.
"It was a great feeling (to be in from the start) and the first goal is what I'm all about," Obertan told nufc.co.uk.
"In the modern game you see players scoring more and more, but for a winger like me, I get the same feeling giving an assist. That makes me just as happy as scoring.
"In the situation we are in now, being efficient and being able to help the team is special.
"I worked really hard during pre-season and tried to do my best in the friendlies, cup games and whenever I've been given a chance.
"I wanted to get in the starting team and I hope I have done enough to stick in there now.
"It's been a tough year but I've never given up - that's not the sort of guy that I am.
"I just keep working and working. I know the Club have bought some players and that makes it difficult but I think I have proved myself over the past two or three months.
"I feel like the fans are behind me, the staff and the other players too, so everything is going right for me at the moment and hopefully it stays that way."
Wilfried Bony and Wayne Routledge netted in either half for the Swans on Saturday, but on each occasion they were pegged back by Cisse - who took his tally for the season to four goals from just three appearances.
"It was a good point," said Obertan.
"We had to come back twice against a good Swansea team who pass the ball well and play good football. It was very hard but we have a good spirit right now, even though we are in a tough situation.
"The results haven't been great so far - that is true - but it is going to turn around.
"This game may even be the turning point. It could be - only our results and performances in the next few weeks will show whether it is or not. But we have gained confidence from this game and want to take that forward."
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