Newcastle United interim boss Rafa Benitez admitted he was greatly pleased by the performance of his team on Tuesday night.

The Magpies drew 1-1 with Manchester City at St James' Park to keep their safety hopes alive thanks to Vernon Anita's 31st-minute striker which cancelled out Sergio Aguero's earlier header.

Newcastle had a golden opportunity to win the match late when Gini Wijnaldum saw his gilt-edged effort blocked by Joe Hart but still Benitez was thrilled with the way his players went about their business.

"Yes, pleased - very pleased if Gini had scored the goal. But really pleased because the reaction of the players, the way that we were fighting, the passion, the commitment, the relationship with the fans, everything was so positive today that it was just a pity that we couldn't score the second goal," he said.

"It could be better, but it could be worse because you are playing against a team that is in form, it's in the semi-finals of the Champions League and at the top of the Premier League.

"Before the game, I wanted the three points; after conceding the goal, to see the reaction of the team, one point could be fine; after Gini's chance, I was a little bit upset, but you have to be pleased in the end."