Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez defended Martin Dubravka after defeat to Tottenham.

The goalkeeper allowed matchwinner Son Heung-min's shot under his body when it should have been a routine save.

But Benitez refused to blame Dubravka for a lapse in concentration.

He said: “I don't blame anyone for the goal – anyone can make a mistake.

“It's a goal that we could have avoided."United ended a positive week on a slightly negative note after Son's late sickener.

But Benitez tried to rally his players, he said: “We now have to look forward.

“It's been a positive week, but overall to get three points against Man City which no one was expecting was a big boost and to get new faces in will boost the competition.

“They can help sand improve the team and overall it is a positive.

“For sure, the target is still survival – get three points in next game and we are closer to staying up."