Rafa Benitez feels that Newcastle United’s lack of quality in the final third cost them the match at Arsenal.
The home side were able to throw on £60million substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to help kill off the game, but United misfired overall.
Benitez is pleading with his bosses to spend £16.5million on Salomon Rondon this summer but even the South American is no miracle worker and managed just one shot all night.
Speaking after the game Benitez said: “The final third we have been speaking all season, the final third you have to spend £40m £50m, £75m.
“I think this kind of game is very similar.
“We were close, but it was about chances in the final third.
“After you have to defend against a team with pace and quality.
“You have to do things right in defence.
“After we conceded the second goal it became even more difficult for us.
“We tried to attack but they are good team at home - they play and pressed.
“We were pushing at 1-0.
“They need to score the second goal.
“Both of their goals were scrappy goals.”
Benitez immediately tried to switch the attention to Saturday’s game with Crystal Palace.
He said: “We have to try to get three points against Palace.
“The next match is the most important.
“Obviously last week the teams at the bottom, except for Cardiff were winning.”
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