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‘It’s a pity’ – Benitez reveals solitary positive in Newcastle draw v Brighton
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has said that the only positive he can take from the club’s 0-0 draw against Brighton is that the Seagulls’ Mat Ryan was the busier of the two goalkeepers at St James’ Park.
In a match bereft of much attacking threat from either side, the Magpies did manage to force the Australian shot stopper into making some impressive saves, most notably a deflected shot from Isaac Hayden and a glancing header from Dwight Gayle.
Karl Darlow, returning the the starting XI to replace the injured Rob Elliot, was more comfortable than his goalkeeping counterpart, although was forced into action on several occasions to pull off what he will view as straightforward saves.
Speaking after the game, Benitez insisted that he viewed the clash as two point dropped for the Magpies, rather than a point gained, and that the fact that Newcastle threatened more up front was the only positive to take.
He told Sky Sports: “The bad thing is that we have to win these games.
“The second half we had more chances, we were pushing harder, that is the positive thing. This is a team that don’t give up.
“It’s a pity, but at least the team were fighting and giving everything.”
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The result has seen Newcastle drop a place into 16th spot, leapfrogged by Bournemouth after the Cherries’ 2-1 win over Everton, and still sit just one point off the relegation zone.
Their next game sees them take on Stoke City on New Year’s Day, with the Potters just a single point ahead of Benitez and his men after being thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea.
In other Newcastle United news, fans took to Twitter to slam the display of a Toon Army favourite in the dour draw.