Rafael Benitez disappointed with FA Cup loss at Chelsea

Rafael Benitez has expressed his disappointment with Newcastle United losing 3-0 at Chelsea in the FA Cup but acknowledged that the Magpies can now fully concentrate on Premier League survival.

Michy Batshuayi's first-half brace at Stamford Bridge left Newcastle with a mountain to climb, and Marcos Alonso's 72nd-minute goal ensured that the Blues would progress to the fifth round of the competition.

Benitez believes that his players put in a decent performance in the first half of Sunday's game despite shipping two goals but, with the Magpies now out of the competition, can invest all their resources in pulling away from the relegation zone.

"We did well in the first-half, had chances, put them under pressure," the Spaniard told BBC Sport after the game.

"We made a mistake in the counter-attack for the first goal and after second goal we were unlucky. There is a big difference to play Chelsea at their home and be 2-0 down.

"I am pleased with the team in the first half and disappointed we lost the game, now we concentrate on the league."

Newcastle, who sit one point and three places above the bottom three of the table, return to league action on Wednesday night when Burnley come to St James' Park.