Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez says he wants to be positive after their 1-1 draw at Watford.

Salomon Rondon put Benitez's Newcastle ahead just before the half-hour mark, but they could not hold out for all three points as Abdoulaye Doucoure popped up to make it 1-1 eight minutes from time.

Benitez was asked if he still need a “miracle" to survive this season, he said: “I was very clear.

“The way that the team was performing here is the way we can get the miracle done."

Newcastle check out of December with a points tally of six points from six games.

Benitez reflected: “When you talk about this league, with teams that are so strong, sometimes it can happen.

“But for us every point is important. So to go here and to get a point cannot be negative, it has to be positive.

“Could it be even better? Yes.

“But I will take it as a positive."