BENITEZ: WE NEED TO GET A VICTORY SOON
Rafa Benitez says Newcastle must stay united behind his players – if the club is to climb the Premier League table.
The club is yet to win in any competition this season.
Benitez’s side was beaten 2-1 by Arsenal at St James’s Park on Saturday.
Newcastle, given a tough start to the new campaign, have now lost to four of last season’s top six by a single goal.
The result – the fourth league defeat of the season – has left the club in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Asked if he needed to lift spirits, Benitez said: “I think the fans realise why we are where we are and then our position.
“So I don’t think the players have to be worried about pressure, because the fans have been really good.
“They are clever enough to know the best way possible to go forward is to continue supporting the team, and if the players work hard like in the first half (against Arsenal), that’s something the fans will appreciate.
“It’s very clear, Newcastle – United. When we are united, we’re stronger. It’s just the only way for us.”
Benitez believes his teams can compete and climb the table.
“Obviously, we have to start winning soon, because that will give us more confidence,” said Benitez. “But I don’t see a massive difference between teams. Obviously, the top six you can say, yes, fine. But for the others, it was just one goal.”
Asked if he was more or less confident about Newcastle’s prospects this season, Benitez said: “Similar, because we were expecting a difficult game.
“But the first half was very positive, and the second is something that can happen against top sides with so much quality.
“So very similar. It’s a time to stay calm, and to see what you’re doing right and what you have to do to improve.”
Mesut Ozil scored his first goal of the season as Arsenal shook off a slow start to cruise to a third successive Premier League victory.
The former Germany international, who has found himself under the spotlight in recent months, cemented the win at St James’s Park with his 58th-minute strike nine minutes after Granit Xhaka had opened the scoring with a fine free-kick.
However, if Arsenal’s second-half display was worthy of the points, the Magpies were left to reflect upon what might have been having enjoyed the better of the first without being able to find the quality they needed to get past Petr Cech, who was eventually beaten at the death by Ciaran Clark.