Rafael Benitez calls for unity at Newcastle United

Manager Rafael Benitez has called for "calm" at Newcastle United despite witnessing his side lose four times in a row in the Premier League.

Newcastle now sit just four points above the relegation zone after defeats to Burnley, Bournemouth, Manchester United and Watford, but Benitez remains positive about his side's start to the season.

The Spaniard has suggested that the club are currently on course for their points target at the halfway stage of the campaign, and asked the fans to continue to back his players over the Christmas period.

The 57-year-old told reporters: "We will be better in the second half of the season. We aim for 20 points in the first half of the season, so if we win some games in between, that will make things easier.

"A message for our fans - stick together. You see what we have and the players are giving everything. They can manage if we stay calm.

"We have to support our team; to support our players. If they make the worst mistake in football history, we stick together."

Newcastle are next in action when they face West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night.