Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba has praised the current revival which has seen Newcastle pick up eight points from a possible 12.

Newcastle are unbeaten in the last four games with home wins against Swansea and Crystal Palace and two valuable points at home to Manchester City and away to Liverpool.

The recent results have lifted Newcastle out of the relegation zone at long last, although Sunderland and Norwich both have a game in hand.

Mbemba returned from injury last month and has built a solid partnership with Jamaal Lascelles in the heart of the Newcastle defence and Mbemba has not let the injury affect his form as he has carried on where he left off.

As Newcastle build up to another important weekend which could see Newcastle remain in the Premier league should other results go our way, but first Newcastle must beat already relegated Aston Vila away.

Mbemba spoke to the club’s official website about the confidence Rafa has given the team and the club’s revival.

Every single one of us has confidence in ourselves and in each other, It’s thanks to the coach, who is the number one – the leader. He instills that in every single one of us, players and staff. It trickles down from the very top and the whole squad have that confidence now. With Karl, I watched his performance (against Palace) from the very beginning to the final whistle, and I had absolute faith in him. When they got the penalty, I looked at him and said to myself ‘he’s going to save it, and we’re going to win this game’.

Mbemba also had this to say on last weekend’s win against Crystal Palace.

We were really happy – every single person in the dressing room was delighted, we deserved the win. Not just us – the players – but everyone involved, the staff and the fans as well. We worked hard to take the three points. We identified it as a must-win game and we needed it. We knew that it could mean we leave the relegation zone. We just need to continue to work hard to make sure we stay out of the relegation zone and stay in the Premier League.

Newcastle faces Aston Villa this weekend before playing Tottenham at St James’ Park for the final game of the season. The question is, can Newcastle beat the drop?