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Janmaat: "That Was A Top Win"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Daryl Janmaat expressed his satisfaction as United became the first team to beat Chelsea in 23 attempts
By Tom Easterby
Dutch defender Daryl Janmaat expressed his satisfaction as United became the first team to beat Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea in 23 attempts.
The 25-year-old enjoyed one of his finest performances for the Magpies to date, helping to nullify the considerable threat of Eden Hazard on the Blues' left flank and bombing forward down the right whenever possible, putting pressure on Jose Mourinho's table-toppers.
The late dismissal of Janmaat's defensive colleague Steven Taylor didn't destabilise Alan Pardew's men, who clung on for a 2-1 win after substitute Didier Drogba clawed one back immediately after Taylor's early exit.
"That was really nice," conceded the former Feyenoord man, with a smile.
"It was hard, especially with ten men, but who cares - it was a top win and we have to enjoy it."
United weathered a first-half storm as Gary Cahill, Willian and Hazard went close to an opener for the visitors in front of the Gallowgate End.
But Papiss Cisse's brace after the break helped Newcastle to victory, which was secured by some resolute defending in the six minutes of stoppage time at the end of the contest.
"Of course they are a big team with some great players, so it's normal that they have some chances," said Janmaat.
"But we defended well and, of course, you need some luck at some moments, but I think it was a team performance - a good team performance. We did everything, everyone did well and it was great.
"It was difficult - six minutes is hard, especially with ten men - but we were fighting for each other and managed to keep them out.
"I think that's the big performance of today. Everybody has to do great in these matches, otherwise you cannot beat them, but we did and it was nice."
Janmaat and United travel to Arsenal next week, who were beaten 3-2 at Stoke City on Saturday.
The 23-cap Holland international knows his team need to replicate their display from this weekend if they are to pick up what would be their third win in the capital in all competitions so far this season.
"It's going to be another tough game, but we have to do the same there," said Janmaat.
"It's going to be more difficult because we are playing away from home, that's normal. But we have to make sure we defend the same and we always have chances.
"It's given us confidence and now we have to improve and look to the next game, which is Arsenal."