"I made it clear to Pennant after the Portsmouth game that the only way he and other players would change their situation was by working harder and trying things on the pitch," said Rafa Benitez.
"When you have the ability as he does, you always know you can change things. It's because of this he may be winning more support from the fans.
"Pennant is playing much better now. He is giving the team all the things we expected from him when he signed.
"He's a busy player, and his crossing is better and he was also unlucky not to score last week.
"No matter what anyone was saying about him, no-one could say he's not a player without quality.
"What is true is we've needed to see more of this quality on the pitch. In the last few games I believe we've started to see a lot more of this.
"I spoke to him after some games, but I talk to all the players like this so I've not tried to speak to him in particular.
"It's not the case that I've had a word with him and now things have changed. He's made the difference for himself."