Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has warned his players they are risking a relegation fight if they don't raise their game.

The Magpies are third from bottom with just one point after four Premier League games, although they have faced Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea during those games.

It doesn't get any easier either as Arsenal are their next opponents on Saturday. But Benitez has urged his team to turn their fortunes around.

"The reality is that we knew the fixtures were very difficult and it could be something like this," he said.

"Being in the bottom three is something you might have expected.

"We know that we did well defensively as a team and as a unit. To lose by a one-goal margin against three top sides, you can say that we were nearly there.

"But we didn't do as well in transition and attack. And to draw against Cardiff was a disappointment after having a penalty to win it late on.

"We've been close in all the games but not close enough."