Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has said that his players are continuing to 'give everything' to move the club away from the Premier League relegation zone.

With just one point being recorded from nine games, the Magpies now sit in 18th position in the standings ahead of a crucial trip to West Ham United.

Newcastle could potentially drop down to the bottom of the table by the end of Saturday afternoon, but Benitez insists that he remains confident that the club will soon improve their run of results.

The 57-year-old told reporters: "We were doing so well that everyone was expecting us to be towards the top of the table. We have had a bad run but we are confident that we can do well.

"Some of these games are one-goal margins. We have to be sure we don't make the same mistakes.

"We have to keep the team spirit. Against Arsenal, we were pushing and making chances at the end. The players are giving everything. They care and they are trying."

Following the meeting with West Ham, Newcastle play Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Stoke City over the Christmas and New Year period.