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Lee Ryder

Why Rafa Benitez was left livid with his players after Crystal Palace's late win

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez says he was doubly disappointed to lose to Crystal Palace after heavily briefing his team over Wilfried Zaha's dangerous runs into the penalty area.

The Toon manager had sat his squad down and gone over Zaha's ability to collapse in the final third at length in the build-up to the game.

When asked if it was frustrating to Newcastle 0-1 Crystal Palace match report: United still not safe after wasting chances to win, he said afterwards: "Yes, because we knew how dangerous Zaha is and we were watching the clips about situations and especially this one – against Wolves, it was another penalty.

Rafa Benitez confirms 'bad injury' for Florian Lejeune as defender leaves ground on crutches 

"We had four defenders around, so we made a mistake."

Benitez was also asked if he was annoyed with Miguel Almiron after he gave the ball away in the build-up to Palace's winner.

Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United is tackled by Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace (Getty Images)

He said: "No. I cannot be disappointed with one mistake, I am disappointed with too many things that we didn't do well, especially after conceding the goal.

"During the game, we were attacking and we could have been more clinical or made better decisions in the final third, but it is something that we have seen during the whole season.

"But when we conceded the goal, I think we had to manage a little bit better.

"We were playing in a rush and giving the ball away and making the wrong decisions.

"I don't say that even doing the right things, we could have scored a goal and got a point, but at least you have to try to do the right things and not play under pressure."

Rafa Benitez confirms 'bad injury' for Florian Lejeune as defender leaves ground on crutches

Newcastle 0-1 Crystal Palace match report: United still not safe after wasting chances to win  

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