WHAT A MATCH!

Rafa’s Newcastle have exactly the same record of wins, draws, losses and goals as last season

RAFA BENITEZ has conjured up one of the freakiest football stats ever at Newcastle.

The Toon boss demanded “consistency and balance” from his side.

And that has resulted in their current Premier League record being identical to last season after 31 games.

This time last year the Geordies had nine wins and 35 points. But the coincidence goes further... with draws, losses, goals for, and against, and goal difference all the same.

It is the kind of solid statistical show that Benitez will enjoy and he reckons his side are a win away from Premier League safety.

Last season they pushed on to get 12 wins, 44 points and 10th place, which Benitez labelled a “miracle” achievement in their first season back in the top flight.

Consolidation was the first aim this season, and his players, as witnessed by Matt Ritchie’s late equaliser at Bournemouth on Saturday, have delivered.

Benitez said: “Every year, we have generally followed a similar pattern. I would not always say

PPWWgood results, because last year we lost four at the end, but we were already safe.

“We have normally had good performances from the team and, physically, the team is OK.

“The players enjoy it a little bit more at this stage of the season because they can try things and they do well. We have to ensure we are solid, we keep focus and we have balance.

“If we keep doing that we will have a chance.

“The fans have to believe that the players can improve on last season.

“I think we are in a good moment now in terms of togetherness – the players, also in terms of the relationship with fans and the mood around the city. You have to keep winning to keep that. In football everything can change in one week.

“You win and you’re the best manager in the world, the next week you make two mistakes and everyone’s criticising you.

“We need to be consistent, creating chances and scoring goals.” Newcastle had a terrible start to this season winning just three points from 10 games.

Since then they have produced form equivalent to gaining seventh place if done over a season – 32 points from 21 games.

There remains uncertainty around Benitez’s future.

The club has acted to rejig the Academy, with ex-player Shola Ameobi in line for a role.

Ben Dawson is likely to step up as head of coaches, and a loan manager and an Under-23 boss could be recruited.

Benitez said of his plans: “I am in contact with Lee Charnley (managing director), and I will say more or less the same.

“We have to make sure we are safe, then it will be easier. We can keep talking but the main thing will be to concentrate on the games.”

Every year we follow a similar pattern but the fans must believe that we can improve