By STEVE BRENNER
The Blues boss was seething after the referee failed to send off Fabricio Coloccini on 31 minutes following a clash with returning hitman Demba Ba.
It left the Senegalese ace with a broken nose and Benitez was also adamant it should have been a penalty, which he reckons would have set Chelsea up to win at St James’ Park.
Instead the Spaniard watched on in horror as an incredible home debut brace from Moussa Sissoko fired Alan Pardew’s men to a dramatic win.
It is now just THREE wins from 10 games for Benitez and 22 points from the last 13.
Considering Roberto Di Matteo was sacked after bagging 24 from 12, no wonder the Blues fans who travelled to Tyneside were singing the name of their former Champions League-winning chief.
The Stamford Bridge boss insisted: “We should have got something. Yes, the reaction of the team in the second half was fantastic.
“We scored two great goals and had more chances but we made the mistake of letting them counter-attack.
“That’s something we’ll have to improve. We couldn’t change the situation of Demba Ba though.
“It was a penalty and a red card for me. It would have changed the game. We lost one player with a broken nose. It was a top reaction in the second half.
“That wasn’t the reason we lost the game. It doesn’t matter. It’s something we must consider.
“In other circumstances, everybody would be talking about this.
“I want to remind you that that happened. Sometimes we don’t remember these things.
“I didn’t see the incident from the bench because I was watching other things. After watching the replay, it is very clear.
“A player with a nose broken and bleeding is good evidence. Demba has a broken nose and we’ll have to wait and see. I didn’t speak to the ref.
“I’ve a lot of respect for Howard but it’s a decision that’s wrong.”
Wonder strikes from Frank Lampard and Juan Mata looked to be sending the Blues to all three points in a much-improved display after the break.
But French midfield ace Sissoko showed what a snip he was at £1.8million by firing a brilliant late double to increase the heat on Benitez.
The former Liverpool boss refused to press the panic button despite falling even further behind the top two.
Benitez reckons owner Roman Abramovich will continue to back him. And he added: “We were reacting in the second half really well. We scored two good goals. We gave them the chance to play on the counter-attack.
“We did not stop them with the second ball. We have to manage with more experience.
“The players did a great job in the second half but these things we must improve.
“I was pleased with the reaction of the players. That’s the main thing.
“The players showed character in the second half. It means something is right. If we cannot control these games, it’s something we must improve.
“We are in the same position as before — in the top four. We’re trying to finish the season in the top four, or top three — and we can.
“With some players coming back, we’ve more options. When we’re in form and doing well we can beat anyone.”
Toon boss Pardew was left drooling over Sissoko’s supershow.
And he said: “Sissoko announced his presence and showed he hasn’t just got technical quality but power too.
“Undoubtedly, it was the game of the season. It was a fabulous match. You have to knock the top sides off their stride, show no fear and we did that.”
