Rafael Benitez: 'Newcastle United must stay calm'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has urged supporters to stay calm despite seeing their side fall to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat this afternoon.

Mesut Ozil's stunning first-half volley was enough for Arsenal to pick up a 1-0 victory over the Magpies at the Emirates Stadium, a result which saw Newcastle drop into the relegation zone courtesy of wins elsewhere for Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

Newcastle have now taken just one point from the last 27 on offer in the Premier League, but Benitez believes that a poor run of form at some stage was always to be expected for his promoted side.

"This team is still fighting and our fans could see that. The fans knew what happened in the summer and we are working hard to put things right. We have to learn quickly," he told reporters.

"You can't complain about the work-rate of our players. They gave everything. We are where we are and have what we have.

"We are a team that came from the Championship and where we are now could be expected. We must stay calm."

Newcastle, whose only win in their last 13 league games came against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, take on West Ham next weekend.