Newcastle Not Safe Yet Says Benitez

Rafael Benitez says Newcastle are still involved in a relegation battle after his side slipped to a 2-0 defeat at West Ham.

Hammers youngster Declan Rice nodded home the opening goal, before Mark Noble added West Ham’s second from the penalty spot before half-time to inflict only a second defeat in seven matches on Newcastle.

Newcastle, who never recovered from conceding two early goals, are six points above the relegation zone, but Benitez says they are far from safe.

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The Spaniard blamed a lack of concentration for the defeat and says there is much work to be done if they are to pull completely away from trouble. “We are still in the relegation battle and have to approach every game like a final,” Benitez said.

“We tried to tell the players, explain we have to do what we were doing when we were winning games, and we didn’t do that. We started with a lack of concentration. “I am disappointed. Hopefully we will learn and not make the same mistake in the next nine games.”