Rafa laments lack of financial muscle

Rafael Benitez has launched a passionate defence of his Newcastle team as he attempts to end a damaging run of four successive Premier League defeats.

The Magpies head for West Brom tonight still smarting from Saturday’s 3-0 drubbing by Watford at St James’ Park, but with the Spaniard insisting his players are giving him everything.

Benitez was less than impressed with the club’s summer transfer dealings, which left him with a squad he believes is short of many of its competitors, including Huddersfield and Brighton, who came up with them.