Sissoko Salutes Magpies' Character

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Moussa Sissoko believes that Newcastle United's "character" was key to their vital 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at St. James' Park on Saturday.

Andros Townsend's superb free kick just before the hour turned out to be the winner for Rafa Benitez's side.

However, the Magpies were indebted to goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who pulled off a crucial save to keep out Yohan Cabaye's penalty in what was a pulsating second half.

And French international Sissoko said that spirits in the United camp were high as they pulled themselves out of the relegation zone with victory over Alan Pardew's FA Cup finalists.

"It was a crazy game. We scored, and then they had the penalty, then Karl made a big save - it was a fantastic game," he told nufc.co.uk. "The atmosphere was good, and the fans were behind us from the beginning until the end. When you are a player, you like to play the game like today, so we are all happy. The dressing room was very happy.

"It was a tough game, but I think we showed some character. Andros scored a fantastic goal, and we keep going like in the last four games. We played well, we showed some team spirit and we have more confidence now.

"Today it was a massive game. With three games until the end of the season, we needed to win this game because we knew Sunderland were playing away against Stoke City and Norwich would be playing against Arsenal. We said if we win today, it would be massive for us.

"We've got two games before the end of the season now, and we will do everything to win those games."

A sell-out crowd of over 52,000 roared the Magpies over the finishing line against Palace.

And Sissoko was quick to point out the influence of the Newcastle faithful in helping to lift the team in recent weeks.

"We need them. We know that this season has been very hard for us, for the fans, for the city - for everyone," said the 26-year-old.

"But now, we have two games left and we need everyone to stay in the Premier League.

"They were behind us today, and that's good. They will be behind us until the end of the season, and we need to keep fighting."

Benitez's side moved out of the bottom three thanks in part to Sunderland's failure to beat Stoke City and Norwich City's defeat to Arsenal.

But the need to concentrate on their own jobs, Sissoko says, is of paramount importance as the battle to remain in the top flight reaches its critical stage.

"We need to stay focused on our job," he insisted. "We have another game on Saturday against Villa. We knew they are already relegated, but I think in front of their fans they will try everything to win the game, but we will go there to fight and to come back with the three points.

"We want to stay in the Premier League, so we need to give everything and win the game."