Rafael Benitez: 'I think Newcastle United are now safe'

Rafael Benitez has claimed that Newcastle United are now all but safe thanks to Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Matt Ritchie's 68th-minute goal gave the Magpies their fourth straight Premier League win and put them on 41 points - 13 clear of relegation - with five games remaining.

Benitez has congratulated "everyone" connected to the club for getting past the 40-point mark but pointed out that the season is not over yet and work remains to be done.

"I think we are safe with 41 points," the Spaniard told BBC Sport. "It's a massive achievement for the players, the city and the fans. I want to congratulate everyone.

"Today we didn't play amazing football because we played an amazing team but you have to manage how you play and compete for the win. We can enjoy the win now but then we have to be ready for the next game."

The result also ended Newcastle's wretched run against Arsenal, having lost their previous 10 league meetings with Arsene Wenger's side.