Arsenal legend Martin Keown feels that Newcastle United are reaping the benefits of having Rafael Benitez at the helm.
Newcastle have not lost since 9th April, away at Southampton, winning two and drawing two of their last four games to climb out of the Premier League's relegation zone.
Benitez, who was sacked by Real Madrid earlier this season, appeared to have taken on mission impossible when he was appointed Newcastle boss on 11th March.
But Newcastle are fighting hard to stay up and Keown believes Benitez's influence cannot be underestimated given his pedigree.
"You can't underestimate managers in this situation", Keown said on the BBC's Final Score programme.
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"He's won a European Cup, he was with Real Madrid earlier in the season", the former Arsenal man added.
Newcastle have two games remaining in the league this season, away to Aston Villa next weekend and then at home against Tottenham Hotspur on 15th May.
Benitez's side sit just one place and one point above the drop zone, however 18th placed Sunderland and 19th placed Norwich City both have a game in hand on the Magpies.
The Spaniard signed a three-year contract when he took charge at St. James' Park, but it does contain a break clause in the event of Newcastle being relegated.
