Dummett delighted by back-to-back wins

Frontman Salomón Rondón’s first-half brace did the damage for Rafa Benítez’s side, who moved up to 14^th in the table with victory.

Colombian Jefferson Lerma halved the deficit with a flicked header on the stroke of half time, and although the Cherries enjoyed plenty of the ball after the interval, the Magpies’ backline looked largely in control.

Having rode their luck in the opening half against Watford last Saturday, Dummett – United’s captain on the day, in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey – felt that the Magpies were at it from the off against Eddie Howe’s side.

“From start to finish, we created chances. We did sit back a bit and let them have the ball, but we played some good football, and we caused them problems in the way we played,” he told nufc.co.uk. "We knew their weaknesses, and we tried to play to our strengths and their weaknesses. We created a lot of chances, and it could have been more. The full team worked really hard together defending and attacking to make sure we won the game, especially when they were pushing for another goal towards the end.

“Last week, a win was much-needed, and this was the same – especially before the game, when we saw that Cardiff had won as well, because they’re obviously one of our rivals in the position we’re in. But to get back to back wins in the Premier League is difficult. It’s nervy when you’re winning 2-1, because one little mistake or one drop in the box to them can result in a goal. But I don’t think we ever felt like we were under loads of pressure to concede, and I think that’s because of the way we are – we work hard together as a team to make sure we’re like that. It’s really positive that we got the result going into the international break, and it’ll give us confidence going into the next game after it.”

Though quick to recognise United’s collective display, Dummett reserved a word for Rondón’s individual showing, with the Magpies’ No. 9 a thorn in the Cherries’ side throughout.

“I thought he was fantastic today,” he said. “Every ball we put up to him, he held it up, and he brought other players into play. He stretched them in behind, he was strong, and I thought the all-round performance was brilliant.

“I’m delighted for him to get his two goals, because it has been a difficult season for us, and he’s had his injuries. But he showed today why the manager brought him to the club, and hopefully he can keep on producing those performances for us.”