Rafael Benitez: 'Newcastle United put in brilliant performance against Leeds United'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has praised his players for a "brilliant" display in their 2-0 win at Leeds United on Sunday.

Dwight Gayle scored a brace to secure victory for the away side at Elland Road, lifting them five points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Benitez told Sky Sports News: "We knew that it could be a tough game and it was. But I think we did what we had to do, we controlled the game for 30 minutes in the first half and scored the goal, but were under pressure for the last 15 minutes as they pushed us with corners and free kicks.

"[We reacted] in the second half, the team was doing well and we scored the second goal and afterwards it was more or less about doing the same.

"We've kept a clean sheet in a very difficult stadium and the performance of the team defending and attacking was brilliant, and has been for the whole season."

Newcastle's success at Leeds was their eighth consecutive league victory.