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Darlow - 'We Had To Win'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow was under no illusions as to the importance of Saturday's win over Swansea. Read his thoughts here
By Dominic Scurr
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow marked his top-flight home debut with a clean sheet in Newcastle United's 3-0 home win over Swansea City on Saturday.
Jamaal Lascelles' first half header - followed by late goals from stand-in captain Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend - secured a vital three points for the Magpies, who are now just three points from safety.
And Darlow believes the manner in which United won could give them a big confidence boost going into the remaining five Barclays Premier League fixtures.
"It's a huge relief for everyone," Darlow told nufc.co.uk. "Obviously we knew the Sunderland score before we went out and we knew that we had to win.
"But we needed the three points no matter what the results were elsewhere - we just had to keep focused on winning this game and thankfully we came out and showed some real grit and desire to come away with three points.
"At 1-0 we were getting a bit edgy, Swansea had a few good chances but then when we scored the second with 10 minutes to go it really calmed things down.
"We were clinical with the three goals and I don't think 3-0 flattered us at all really. We played some really good football and we were rewarded for that.
"The lads defended brilliantly as well, they kept organised and made things very difficult for Swansea.
"This was my first home game for Newcastle and it was great to see and hear the crowd get behind us the way they did.
"Fortunately we gave them the result and the performance their support deserves."
Despite the win, Darlow knows the Magpies still have a huge task ahead of them if they want to secure their top-flight status.
"It was crucial that we won today," continued the Newcastle United stopper.
"Come the end of the season this result could be massive but we have to keep focused and try to win every game because this is just one win.
"But it does put us right back in the mix and gives us a big confidence boost ahead of the game here on Tuesday."
Newcastle welcome Manchester City to St. James' Park on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick-off) knowing that a win will take them out of the relegation zone.