Rafa remains positive after Palace draw

RAFA Benitez refused to take a negative stance on Newcastle United’s frantic draw with Crystal Palace.

The Magpies were clinging on to their point by the end at Selhurst Park, but Benitez emerged relatively satisfied – despite throwing the lead away against Roy Hodgson’s Eagles.

It leaves Newcastle just above the drop zone but, after the game, Benitez said: “We got an extra point, so we cannot say it is negative.

“We have to stay calm and be sure that we do what we have to do in order to fight and have more chances to win games.”

Benitez made it clear that his current side still lack experience and the majority of the team that finished the game against Palace also plied their trade in the Sky Bet Championship last term.

He added: “We are learning, it is a learning process, but still we are playing against good players.”

Benitez, though, was proud of his players after they stood up to a Palace team that are now seasoned in the Premier League.

And he cited Palace’s star man as an example of the quality Newcastle has to stand up to.

He went on: “Zaha can dribble, you know he can, but still he can do it even if you know.

“Then we are trying to manage and do things. But the togetherness of the team is important.” Rafa Benitez was proud of his players after their draw with Crystal Palace, despite the fact it leaves his side near the relegation zone