Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez says being beaten by Tottenham couldn't take the gloss off an excellent week.

Newcastle brought in Miguel Almiron late in the window for a club-record fee, which had stood since the 2005 signing of Michael Owen, after months of discontent among fans at a lack of spending.

Asked if Newcastle had taken a step forward this week, Benitez told Sky Sports: “I think so. As I said before, to bring new faces, and the characteristics of these players, will be something that I think will be positive for the future. We needed that, and hopefully we see what happens next.

“[Almiron] can help, like [Antonio] Barecca. When you have competition it is always positive for the team."