Rafa Benitez says Newcastle have not pushed on since securing safety

Rafa Benitez says Newcastle have not pushed on since securing their Premier League safety following the 2-1 defeat by Watford.

Goals from Andre Gray and Roberto Pereyra gave the Hornets victory at Vicarage Road on Saturday, meaning Newcastle have lost their last three Premier League games since securing survival.

But the Spaniard claims his side have not carried on in the same vein, and not shown what they are capable of.

He told Sky Sports: "The main thing was to stay up. Now we know we have to keep doing the same thing, but we're not doing that at the moment, so we'll see what happens.

"It's a question of showing what we are capable of doing. I feel like second half was the team we are used to seeing, the last game when we were winning a lot of games in a row.

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"When we don't have intensity we look exposed, when we do have intensity and everybody is focused, we can beat anyone."

Benitez, whose side could have been 3-0 down at half-time had Troy Deeney not missed a penalty, feels Newcastle could have easily come away with a point.

"Too many things we were not doing well. We could be 3-0 down at this time, and I feel the reaction of the team is what I was expecting, and it's a pity because you have to do it in the first half too.

"Sometimes when you are winning, and it is very hot, it is not easy to put some tempo on the game. We tried to move the ball quickly, but credit to them, because they were using the spirit that they have, but it's a pity for us because I feel we could get at least a point."

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