Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez believes that the Magpies must learn to accept the pressure of being top of the table, and ensure that they keep their heads if they are not performing at their best level.
Benitez’s side lost 3-1 at home to Fulham on Saturday, a score that could easily have been worse if Tim Ream had converted a late penalty, and the Spaniard was quoted by the Northern Echo as saying that in games where they fail to create chances, they must at least keep it tight defensively, and stay composed:
“We said before that if we want to stay at the top of the table then we have to manage these games better. We have to be sure we do not make mistakes. If you are playing against a good team and you cannot create too much, then at least make sure you are strong enough defensively, and then you will not allow them to create or play on the counter-attack.”
The defeat means Newcastle are level on points with second placed Brighton, who beat Derby County 3-0 on Friday night. Huddersfield Town’s 1-0 win against Brentford means they are six points behind the top two with a game in hand.
The Magpies’ home form has been their Achilles heel this season, and with five of their last nine fixtures at St James’ Park, they will need to make a marked improvement on their display against Fulham if they want to remain in the automatic promotion places.
