Post-match reaction to Brighton 1 Newcastle 0 ...
Tomer Hemed told Sky Sports: "I think in the last few games we've been playing well and today also and I think this win can give us a push for the next games and I think we deserve it.
"First of all we need to win at home, of course. Away from home is difficult to get points. So first of all we need to get as much as we can from the Amex. Also, we're playing well and we will get enough points (to stay up) this season, I think."
On the goal, he added: "Everyone (was) doing his job, yes. We're a team, we work together and work for each other and only like this can we win games."
Newcastle were the only side to do the double over Brighton in the Championship last season, but the Seagulls exacted revenge on the south coast.
Hemed added: "If everyone can remember the last game here with Newcastle, it was a shame for us that we didn't win. But today we were looking for that game, we were happy that we took the three points and it will give us some confidence for the next few games."
Chris Hughton has insisted that Brighton match-winner Tomer Hemed's stamp on DeAndre Yedlin was an accident.
"I have seen it and my absolute impression was that there was no intention, particularly knowing the player," he said.
"My first impression was that there was absolutely no intent. It's obviously very fresh at the moment. I was unaware of it at the time, and I have just been shown it."
When asked if he would fear Hemed facing retrospective disciplinary action, Hughton replied: "All I can do is give you my opinion. And that is that there's certainly no intent."
Benitez insisted Brighton captain Bruno had fouled Chancel Mbemba in the build-up to Hemed's winner - but Hughton disagreed.
"What we saw is what you see in every game," said Hughton. "It certainly wasn't a foul, but that's the same as what you'll see in any game."