Rafa: we can beat anyone as a team
RAFA Benitez has issued a rip-roaring pre-match message to players and fans ahead of Newcastle United’s clash with Arsenal at St James’ Park.
The Toon boss considers the fixture as a key moment in the campaign as it could be the game that sees his side secure their Premier League status.
Such a result would mean the season is a far cry from 2016 when Newcastle went into the last two games nervously and were unable to secure top-flight survival.
In 2013, under Alan Pardew, and in 2015, under John Carver, United also had to wait until the last couple of games to know their fate.
Ahead of the encounter with the Gunners, Benitez told his team and the fans: “We have to approach the game with that idea.
“It’s not ‘we are doing well and we can beat anyone’.
“Yes, we can beat anyone IF we work as a team and IF we are together.
“The fans can show their passion and intensity for us and we’ll need to show the commitment on the pitch.
“It’s been there on the pitch and that commitment has also been in the stands.”
Much has been made of Arsenal’s fatigue levels going into today’s game after the Gunners returned Russia only on Friday morning.
However, while Wenger’s side may be a little jaded, he can at least rely on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who sat out the trip to CSKA Moscow as he was ineligible.
Benitez has plenty of time for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, despite his critics, and warned: “We’re talking about one of the best managers in Premier League history.
“Arsenal are also still one of the top sides.
“Even if they are not in a good position compared to what they are expecting, they are still in the semi-final of the Europa League because they’ve done well.
“They can win the Europa League and they have players who can win games for them single handed on their day.
“For us, this game represents a real challenge for us and an opportunity to show the confidence levels we have at the moment.
“At the same time, the reality is we are playing against one of the top sides in England.”