Fabian Schär notched a brace – the first a wonderful individual effort – before Rondón squared for Ayoze Pérez to add a third for United in second-half stoppage time.
Cardiff – who started the day a point and a place better off than the Magpies – offered little throughout, with Rafa Benítez’s side recording their most convincing victory of the campaign at an opportune time.
As far as Rondón was concerned, it was no less than they deserved, with the Venezuelan quick to pay tribute to United’s efforts at both ends of the pitch.
“For the team and for the supporters, it’s a massive win,” he told nufc.co.uk. “We needed it a lot, because our performances here have been poor. Today, we showed we are powerful. We scored three goals and we played really well.
“When you win a game and three goals is the difference, it means a lot. Today, our finishing was massive – Fabian scored two goals, Ayoze scored – and it’s important for the team’s confidence. When we score, we know we have to keep solid and not concede a goal, because we know it’s a pressure if you concede. But we managed the game really well. We finished the first half 1-0 up, and in the second half, the gaffer said that we had to keep going and try to find the second goal. We did it, and it was very important for us.
“We have to keep going, keep winning and carry on. Every game in the Premier League is tough, and we know in the next couple of games we will play against great teams with great players, but we have to think about us, and our confidence. We have to play like we played today. Thinking about our team, and our strengths – that’s the most important thing.”
With six goals to his name, Rondón is Newcastle’s leading scorer this season but, against the Bluebirds, his all-round play was influential, with the Venezuelan winning ball after ball in the air and proving a thorn in the side of the visitors’ backline throughout.
“I feel confident. I am a striker and I score goals, but the most important thing is to help the team score goals and to assist my teammates, and that’s it,” he said. “The most important thing for everyone today was that we won and we got the three points. Now we’re thinking of the FA Cup and we’ll try to beat Watford.”
