Four key talking points from Newcastle's win - plus Rafael Benitez's reaction

Gayle struck in the 19th minute to lift the Magpies into the top half of the table, but what were the key talking points to emerge from the game at Ashton Gate?

SHOWING THEIR METTLE

They might have showcased their attacking qualities as they put four goals past Reading on Wednesday, but this was the type of backs-to-the-wall performance that Newcastle will have to produce on a regular basis if they are to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

The Magpies were under the cosh for long periods of the game, but their battling qualities were to the fore as they restricted Bristol City to a handful of half-chances.

Chancel Mbemba and Jamaal Lascelles both produced dominant displays at centre-half, with Ciaran Clark chipping in with two crucial interventions at left-back and Jack Colback shoring things up at the base of midfield.

Newcastle’s collective work rate was impressive, and the overall performance was reminiscent of some of the dogged displays that were crucial in the last promotion season. If you’re going to get out of the Championship, you have to be able to win games like this.

WHERE’S DARYL?

Having been an unused substitute in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Reading, Dutch defender Daryl Janmaat was not even part of Newcastle’s 18-man squad at Ashton Gate.

He is the subject of interest from both West Ham and Napoli, and this afternoon’s absence increases the likelihood of him leaving Tyneside before the transfer window closes in just under a fortnight’s time.

Rafael Benitez clearly feels that he can trust Vurnon Anita in the right-back berth, and the Dutchman produced a committed and assured display to shore up the right-hand side of the Magpies’ back four.

Jamie Sterry, who was on the bench this afternoon, is an emerging right-back who can provide cover for Anita, and Newcastle must be tempted to cash in on Janmaat, who cost £5m when he moved from Feyenoord in 2014.

GAYLE FORCE

Dwight Gayle has now scored four goals this season, and his first-half winner oozed quality as he controlled Mo Diame’s through ball before hammering a low left-footed effort past Bristol City goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell.

The former Crystal Palace striker might not be the most physically-imposing forward in the Championship, but he knows how to score and the last two games have showcased his goalscoring qualities both inside and outside the box.

Had things gone differently, he could have been playing for Bristol City this afternoon, with the Robins having failed to sign him from Selhurst Park last summer.

Newcastle made their £10m move last month, but Benitez must now decide what to do with Gayle in the next couple of games. Aleksandar Mitrovic is available after completing the four-match suspension he carried over from the end of last season, and will be desperate to be involved in next weekend’s home game with Brighton.

SELS FAR FROM SECURE

Matz Sels was able to celebrate his first clean sheet of the season, but the Belgian goalkeeper continues to look extremely shaky, particularly when dealing with crosses.

He flapped at a succession of deliveries into the box, with a weak punch in the first half setting up Luke Freeman for a decent chance on the edge of the penalty area.

He was at it again in the second half, punching straight to Jonathan Kodjia, who volleyed over from inside the box.

Benitez continues to defend his £4.5m summer purchase, but with Karl Darlow waiting in the wings and Tim Krul closing in on a return to full fitness, it is becoming increasingly hard to justify Sels’ continued presence in the team.

MANAGER'S REACTION

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez said: “We needed to work as a team, and we did that. We were analysing things, and we knew it would be a difficult game because they have a lot of big lads up front.

“They played a lot of long balls and set-pieces, and after that they were looking to play. There were a lot of things we had to control, and the only way to do that was to work as hard as we did.

“We’re getting a bit of momentum now, and hopefully we can keep winning. Every game is different though, and we know it will be a long, difficult season.

“The main thing now is that we have to show the same character, personality and work rate as we have displayed in the game today.”

Bristol City manager Lee Johnson said: “I can’t be too critical because they are a top, top side. I thought tactically our players were excellent, but it was probably just that bit of physicality that we couldn’t quite compete with.

“We were disappointed because it was a poor goal to concede but obviously they have two top players there, one with a sublime ball over the top and one who opened up, showed his pace and a quality finish.

“It was a great ball (by Diame) from another top player in the Championship, and we got caught out. But that was probably the only difference between the sides. In fact, I thought we probably shaded it.”

LINE-UPS

Bristol City (4-2-3-1):  O’Donnell; Matthews (Little 21), Flint, Magnusson, Golbourne (O’Dowda 64); O’Neil, Reid; Kodjia, Tomlin, Freeman; Abraham (Wilbraham 72).

Subs (not used): O’Leary (gk), Williams, Brownhill, Pack.

Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Sels; Anita, Mbemba, Lascelles, Clark; Hayden (Shelvey 86), Colback; Ritchie, Diame (Perez 63), Gouffran; Gayle (Aarons 88).

Subs (not used): Darlow (gk), Sterry, Dummett, Hanley.