Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez felt transfer spending was the difference for defeat to Arsenal.

Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette struck for the Gunners on Monday night.

Benitez lamented: "I think this kind of game is very similar. We were close, but it was about chances in the final third.

"After you have to defend against a team with pace and quality. You have to do things right in defence. After we conceded the second goal it became even more difficult for us.

"We tried to attack but they are good team at home - they play and pressed.

"We were pushing at 1-0. They need to score the second goal. Both of their goals were scrappy goals.

"The final third we have been speaking all season, the final third you have to spend £40m £50m, £75m.

"We have to try to get three points against Palace. The next match is the most important.

"Obviously last week the teams at the bottom, except for Cardiff were winning."