RAFA BENITEZ refused to criticise Martin Dubravka after a mistake from the goalkeeper cost his side a point against Tottenham Hotspur.

The goalkeeper misjudged a shot from Son, the ball bouncing under him as the Magpies lost 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Newcastle looked good value for a point amid a stout defensive display before the slip-up.

And the boss said: “I don’t blame anyone for the goal – anyone can make a mistake. It’s a goal that we could have avoided. We now have to look forward.

“It’s been a positive week, but overall to get three points against Man City which no one was expecting was a big boost and to get new faces in will boost the competition.

“They can help and improve the team and overall it is a positive.’’

Newcastle hit the post through Salomon Rondon, while Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris saved well from Ayoze Perez in the second-half.

But Spurs also hit the woodwork, while Fabian Schar cleared a goalbound effort off the line.

Benitez added: “We played against one of the best teams in the Premier League and it’s disappointing as we had good chances against a good team.

“They were pushing really hard and we concede a goal we could have avoided – it was something we were not expecting.

“But I give great credit to my players for their efforts, although we have to improve on the ball in the second half.

“We pushed hard with possession and we had chances without going through with it.

“We worked hard.

“It wasn’t perfect defensively and they scored with a bit of quality from Son. I was pleased with the attitude of the players, especially in defence.’’