Christian Atsu steps up to rescue Newcastle United to 2-2 draw

Christian Atsu created a goal as his Newcastle United fought-back to a 2-2 draw at home by relegation-threatened Bristol City on Saturday afternoon.

An own goal from Korey Smith and an 82nd-minute equaliser from Ciaran Clark saw the Magpies secure a draw at St James’ Park after Aaron Wilbraham and David Cotterill after given the visitors the lead.

Given this was his first start since the victory over Nottingham Forest win on December 30, it was an interesting decision from Benitez to field Atsu.

And Atsu rewarded Benitez for the Spaniard’s faith, by dragging Newcastle back into the game.

Not only did he create the first goal with a lovely low cross into the box which created havoc, he regularly got past Zak Vyner and to the byline.

Atsu’s crosses were hit and miss - but they drove Newcastle forward and helped them rescue a point from this tie, and very nearly all three.

The Ghana international played full 90 minutes of the game.