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Gini's On Cloud Nine
Written by Newcastle Utd
Georginio Wijnaldum scored his ninth goal of the season in Saturday's win over West Ham - and spoke to nufc.co.uk
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Georginio Wijnaldum believes early goals were the key to Newcastle United's impressive 2-1 victory over high-flying West Ham United on Saturday.
Ayoze Perez and Wijnaldum struck in the opening 15 minutes at St. James' Park as the Magpies put an end to a six-game winless run.
Having provided the assist for Perez's opener, the Dutch international's effort was his ninth goal of the season, and United's leading scorer was delighted to contribute to three important points.
"We started really well and scored two good, footballing goals," Wijnaldum told nufc.co.uk after the final whistle.
"It's always important to score early because it gives you confidence and makes the game easier.
"So when Chancel made his mistake, which was unlucky, we were okay because it wasn't just 1-0 at the time. We had cushion, we defended well and we deserved the win.
"I'm always happy to score but more happy that we have won the game.
"I played a big part in the win and that makes me smile. If I can perform like this and help the team win games then that makes me happy.
"I try to do it every week - sometimes it happens, sometimes not - but I always work hard for the team."
The victory was Newcastle's first of 2016 and lifted them out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.
Wijnaldum has now called on his teammates to put together a run of form and make the second half of the 2015/16 campaign a lot more enjoyable and nerve-free.
"We have learnt from earlier in the season," Wijnaldum continued.
"Back then, things went wrong - we know that - but we have learnt from it and knew what we had to do to defend well and win games. We showed that today against West Ham.
"We've said a few times this season that we must build on this win and put a run together, and that is the case again.
"Every game is different. We have thought before that we were there, that we had become a good team, and it hasn't happened. But we have to make sure this time that we get more wins and climb the table.
"This was a really important win. We are into the second half of the season and we need every point we can get to stay out of the relegation zone and get high up the table."