The Chronicle

Benitez may take a pot at Gunners

BOSS MAY DITCH HIS DEFENSIVE APPROACH

- By LEE RYDER Chief Sports Writer lee.ryder@trinitymir­ror.com @lee_ryder

RAFA Benitez has insisted he does not aim to park the bus in every game this season.

The Newcastle United manager has endured criticism in three of the opening four matches of the season despite being up against title contenders Tottenham Hotspur, Man City and Chelsea.

With Arsenal next up at St James’ Park this afternoon, and the Gunners conceding eight goals in their first four games, Benitez may opt against ultra-defensive tactics.

Speaking at his pre-game press conference, he said: “Every game is different.

“We will try to set a team up which can win with the tactics and that is what I have to do.

“We will try to do something which is enough to win the game.

“We will have a chance but you are talking about a team with good players. The tactics we employ have to be right.”

Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-1 last term in one of the games which helped them stave off the threat of relegation.

While last season’s victory over Chelsea counted for very little three weeks ago, Benitez knows his team is on the right track.

He went on: “Last year, we had some games in a row when we were not winning but we were close.

“We were missing a chance and then maybe they would score.

“Things like that can happen in every game and that is why football is so difficult.”

Benitez also feels a packed house at St James’ today will also be a big boost for his players.

He added: “In terms of confidence to know what you can do, it is important.

“This time, with the fans behind us, hopefully we can give them something to support us for in the 90 minutes.”

Meanwhile, Benitez will carefully assess the condition of both DeAndre Yedlin (right) and Salomon Rondon ahead of the clash with Arsenal.

Both players only returned to training yesterday morning after transatlan­tic journeys back from internatio­nal duty with Venezuela and the United States in Panama and Nashville respective­ly this week. It means both Joselu and Javier Manquillo are on standby for the home encounter with the Gunners. Benitez will welcome back Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie after they were able to rest up during the internatio­nal break with injuries. However, he knows the last fortnight has had pros and cons. He said: “As is always the case with an internatio­nal break you have the chance for some of your injured players to recover. It can be fine - but at the same time players are coming back.

“One of them on Tuesday, a couple on Wednesday and a couple of Thursday and Friday.

“You cannot work the way you want and prepare for the game normally.

“The only thing is it is the same for every Premier League club.

“That does not mean it is ideal but you have to prepare.

“We have worked with the players who are here and they have done specific work.

“We will have to see how we can shape up against a good team.”

 ??  ?? Rafa Benitez addresses his players in training yesterday
Rafa Benitez addresses his players in training yesterday
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