RAFAEL BENITEZ thinks everyone connected with Newcastle United must realise that the only way to stay clear of trouble in the Premier League this season is by maintaining the high levels of work recorded earlier in the campaign.

The Magpies are just four points clear of the relegation zone after losing the last four matches, scoring just once during that run, after Watford left St James’ Park with a comfortable 3-0 win this afternoon.

After Will Hughes opened the scoring in the 19th minute against the Hornets, Newcastle struggled to get back into the game and the visitors added a second in stoppage-time when DeAndre Yedlin turned Marvin Zeegelaar’s cross into his own net.

Watford then completed the win in the 63rd minute when Richarlison teed up Andre Gray to convert to cap a thoroughly miserable afternoon when Newcastle came up short all over the pitch.

Benitez said: “We are a team that has to work very hard to get results. We have to be aware that we knew this could happen, we knew we could lose some games and we have to analyse a few things and see why things are not going so well.

“But we knew it would be hard, we are a team that will have to work extremely hard right up until the end of the season. But the supporters and the players and the media have to realise, we have to work harder and stay together, that is the only way.”

Watford are just three points shy of Tottenham in fourth place after this impressive win, and Benitez admits that he always knew it was going to be tough against Marco Silva’ side.

Benitez said: “We knew this would be a difficult game for us because they have been playing well. We needed to be strong and solid, but we made a mistake and conceded the first goal.

“We responded quite well, we were pressing and created a few things, but the second goal changed everything. Then it became very difficult in the second half, we were chasing and they were able to catch us out.”