Bournemouth vs Newcastle: Rafael Benitez says Magpies need one more win for safety

The Magpies edged a step closer to safety after Matt Ritchie claimed a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth

Rafael Benitez believes one more win will be sufficient to secure Premier League survival for Newcastle.

The Magpies edged a step closer to safety after Matt Ritchie claimed a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.

Ritchie's stunning half-volley moved the north east club onto 35 points, seven clear of the relegation zone with seven top-flight fixtures remaining.

"We have to keep going, the job is not done. We have to keep winning games," said manager Benitez.

"I think it could be 38 points (to stay up), it depends. Obviously, 40 is guaranteed for me. I think 38 will be enough, so we have to keep winning if we can."

Newcastle's comfortable position in 13th place is remarkable given they registered just three points from their opening 10 games of the campaign.

A run of five successive home wins prior to the trip to the south coast helped propel Benitez's side away from trouble.

The Spaniard will reward his squad with time off during the international break ahead of the game at Arsenal on April 1.

"I think they are working so hard, you can see every game - until the last minute, again," he said.

"Sometimes I think that it's done and they give up and we didn't do it and it was a great reaction.

"They have to relax a little bit, enjoy with their families and come back with their batteries charged."