Newcastle slipped down to 18th on the Premier League log following the 1-nil loss to Arsenal at the weekend.
The defeat – their 11th of the campaign – was their 8th in a poor run of 9 games that has produced just a point, and manager Rafa Benitez will be looking to use the winter transfer window to get things right.
The Spaniard believes splashing the cash would be beneficial to Newcastle’s chances of winning the relegation battle, and he did cite Crystal Palace’s attack – consisting of Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend who cost a combined £50million – as the way to go.
In his words: “If we get to January and we can add some players to give a lift to the rest of the team, we have to do it.
“We knew we were missing in some positions, and we have seen over the whole season what has happened. In some positions, we need competition, we have to do it.
“If you analyse some of the teams at the bottom of the table, you see the cost of the players they have.
“For example, look at Crystal Palace. Look at the four players they have up front, and tell me how much they cost now. It is so simple when you look at things like that.”
The Eagles started the campaign with 7 losses in as many games, spending 16 matchdays rooted in 20th position.
However, improved fortunes which have brought about 3 victories and 4 draws in their last 7 games have seen them move from 18th to 14th on the log within the last 2 matchdays.
Benitez reckons his side must also emulate Newcastle’s confidence and try to get a win that could as the much-needed catalyst.
He concluded: “We are in a good position if we win one game. If we do that, it will change things. You see how Crystal Palace went up two or three places by winning one game, and now they are winning games in the final minute because their confidence has changed.”
Newcastle face West Ham on Saturday before hosting Manchester United 2 days after Christmas.
Picking up at least 2 points from the fixtures could still see the Toons reach their target of 20 points before 2018, provided they pick up a win against Brighton in the last game of the year.
