RAFAEL BENITEZ does not want to see the Premier League table, despite this afternoon’s 2-1 win over Stoke City having taken Newcastle United into the Champions League places.

The Magpies rose to fourth in the table as Jamaal Lascelles’ second-half header made it three successive victories for Benitez’s in-form side.

It is the first time Newcastle have recorded three Premier League wins in a row for three years, with today’s victory following previous successes against West Ham and Swansea.

Having missed last weekend’s win at the Liberty Stadium as he recovered from surgery, Benitez was back in the St James’ Park dug out this afternoon.

But while he was understandably delighted with his players’ performance, he will not be getting too carried away just five games into the season.

Benitez said: "I haven't seen the table and I don’t want to see the table, believe me. I said one game at a time, and now it is just to be sure the fans enjoy (themselves).

"We have to enjoy, but we have to be sure the next training session we will start correcting things and improving things and doing things the way we are at the moment.

"We knew before the game it was a difficult game. We had to approach the game with the mentality we did, working very hard.

"We wanted to be strong in defence and create something in attack. It was not easy sometimes because they are a good team.

"At half-time, the game plan was clear - carry on with the same idea. We had chances to finish the game early and they had a chance. That is football.

"We have to learn in the Premier League you cannot make too many mistakes or you will pay for that. At the same time, when you are winning, you can correct things and it will be easier for me to pass the message."

Newcastle were the dominant side as Christian Atsu handed them a first-half lead, but were pegged back when Xherdan Shaqiri levelled in the second half.

However, while Stoke created a number of opportunities, the Magpies displayed impressive character as they reclaimed the initiative in the final half-hour of the game.

Benitez said: "The main thing is the togetherness, the work rate and the character. The connection with the fans means the fans appreciate that.

"It is really important that players want to stay, want to fight, want to defend their black and white shirt. They’re doing that and I think the fans appreciate that.

"For us to do that every week, and the captain leading by example, is something you have to be really pleased about."