Benitez so wary

“When he saves a penalty everyone is happy with him and he is fantastic.

“Now something happens that is not normal he needs to look forward and not in the past.”

Despite the defeat, Silva believes his side proved they can compete with the Premier League’s top sides.

“To achieve good results against the strongest sides we have to work hard and work well,” he said.

“I think that is exactly what we are doing.

“Since the first day our fans know we are here to make them proud.”

Silva says he is keen to make Andre Gomes’ loan move from Barcelona permanent despite his £90m buy-out clause. RAFA BENITEZ hopes Newcastle’s January transfer plans won’t be wrecked by takeover talk.

Owner Mike Ashley has claimed he is close to selling up for £325m.

But when a similar situation unfolded a year ago, boss Benitez struggled to get the funds to strengthen his squad.

“I hope it will not be a distraction,” said Benitez ahead of tonight’s trip to Everton.

“We carry on thinking that Mike will be there and we have to choose the right players for us.

“I am the manager, I am not in charge of the financial part of the business.

“Our plans are to look for the targets. Fine. We are looking for the targets, so it depends who is available.

“So it’s just for me to concentrate on football.”