Despite a convincing 2-0 away win against Derby County, Spanish boss Rafa Benitez claims there's still​ ' room for improvement' in his Newcastle team - the fact it was the Magpies fourth consecutive Championship victory was neither here nor there for the perfectionist Benitez.





Saturday's goals came courtesy of Yoan Gouffran and DeAndre Yedlin, prompting Benitez to describe the scoreline as a 'perfect result.' Still, the Spaniard believes the best is yet to come from his side.





He said: "To be fair, the lads did really well. Our idea was to try to control the game, but we knew at the same time they can pass the ball - they can play well between the lines with wingers really wide running behind defenders.

Benitez continued: "As I have said in previous interviews, there is plenty of room for improvement but the team is doing well. For a while, we were doing quite well and then we were under a little bit of pressure, but we won and we can take a lot of positives from this game.





"For us, the most important thing is to win. We had to work very hard in defence, but at the same time try to keep the ball, move the ball and create something in attack. In the end, it was a perfect result, but a tough game."

After a tough start to the season, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager has started to show why he was so coveted by the Newcastle board. The Toon have now kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions but rather than seek any praise, Benitez has played down his role in their current success.





"I'm really pleased because we have a good squad who are trying really hard and that is the best news for a manager. I'm happy because they understand that if you want to stay at the top of the table, you have to work hard."

Benitez continued: "Players that weren't maybe performing at the level everybody was expecting are doing everything now - they are trying to do well for the team and for the fans.





''They train really well and listen to the staff. You try to send a message across to them and they listen to you and try to do it on the pitch - it's a long race but we are going in the right direction.





"Without the commitment of the players and their great effort, it is impossible for any manager."