Benitez Pleased With Newcastle’s ‘Fighting Spirit’

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez believes his side have the ‘fighting spirit’ that is required to survive in the Premier League.

The Magpies did their hopes of survival the world of good by coming from two goals down to beat Everton 3-2 at St James’ Park on Saturday, a result that has seen them pull six points clear of the relegation zone.

Benitez knows his side still have work to do if they are to keep their heads above water this season, but he feels the spirit they showed against Everton will stand them in good stead.

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“Obviously we know that we are in the relegation battle and that we have to win a lot of games if we want to stay up,” Benitez told the Newcastle website.

“It’s always important to do your job and just try to keep winning games. If the other [teams in the relegation battle] lose, then they can give you a hand.

In this case [over the weekend] it didn’t happen. It was therefore important for us to show the fighting spirit throughout the game.”

A run of just two defeats from their last eight league games means the Magpies are now closer to the top half of the standings then they are the relegation zone, but Benitez insists they will not be resting on their laurels.

He added: “You could see the team was pushing and pushing until the end, and that is the key if you want to stay up.”