NEWCASTLE CLIMB OUT OF DROP ZONE WITH FIRST WIN OF SEASON

Newcastle United have climbed out of the relegation zone with their first win of the season as they won 1-0 against Watford at St. James' Park.

Ayoze Perez scored in the second-half to ease the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez on Tyneside.

Newcastle had failed to win any of their opening 10 league games of a season for only their second time in their history.

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Watford started the better of the two teams and defender Adrian Mariappa had a guilt-edge opportunity but fired wide from close range.

Gerard Deulofeu had two excellent chances in quick succession for the Hornets but was wasteful with both.

After the half-time break, the visitors thought they'd taken the lead when Roberto Pereyra's curling effort came back off the crossbar.

Newcastle were on cue to make them pay as well, when Ki-Sung-yueng delivered a pin-point free-kick delivery to find the head of Perez - who sent St. James' Park into ecstasy.

Source: beIN Sport

Stefano Okaka had the only real chance to equalise for Watford in stoppage-time but blazed his shot over from eight yards out.

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STATS:

- Newcastle now have their first victory over Watford since 2010 in all competitions.

- Watford wasted 16 shots in the match, and 13 of them came within the first 45 minutes.

- The win marks a half-century for Benitez as Newcastle United manager - it took him 116 games.

- Perez scored his first goal in 11 Premier League games for the Magpies.

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THE MANAGERS:

Benitez was clearly a relieved man after the full-time whistle and said that his team's performances in recent weeks have built up to this result.

"In my opinion we deserved to win before today, but to do it today with the team working so hard and with the fans behind us was good," Benitez said.

"We had three injury problems and three substitutions but the reaction was good. It is a great three points.

"All three players really contributed, we needed energy and commitment from everyone and the three players quickly focused and did what they had to do."

Watford boss Javi Gracia believes today's positive performance from his team marks a missed opportunity.

"I think in the first half we played much better, we had more chances - clear chances - and a lot of them," the Spaniard said.

"If you don't score, then from a free-kick Newcastle can score. We need to improve for the next game. I can be disappointed with the result but not with my players.

"I like to be demanding and want us to finish better, but we have played well and need to keep this level. Today was a missed opportunity but that is football."