Williamson Takes Positives, But No Points

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

He was impressive in defence but Newcastle conceded three goals and the Magpies created chances but came away beaten. No wonder Mike Williamson admitted that United's current run is becoming increasingly frustrating.

It would be one thing if Alan Pardew's team were playing poorly, but just like the recent defeats at Stoke and Fulham there was little wrong with their performance against reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday.

At times, the visitors showed their title-winning class with David Silva particularly influential but for the most part Newcastle more than matched Roberto Mancini's men. They had more possession, more shots and more corners, but crucially not more goals.

And so Williamson was left to ponder a sixth loss in seven league outings - but remained confident that the Magpies' fortunes would change for the better soon.

"It feels like the last few weeks we've came out and there's a lot of positives there but still we leave with no points, and that's the disappointing thing," he told nufc.co.uk.

"Obviously they're the champions and they're not there for nothing but we do feel disappointed with the result and it's getting frustrating.

"We had a few times where it flashed across their goalmouth today and they have one that goes across ours and goes through two people's legs and it finds the net.

"That's the period we're in but I'm sure we've got the character and resilence to get out of this.

"The players in that dressing room know it's just a mentality at the end of the day. We've still got the same team as we had last year and we've got a positive outlook and quality in the team.

"We know we can keep clean sheets and we can score goals. It's just trying to get back to that and not forgetting what we did, and that's what we try to do each week."

Ruthless City scored goals at important times. United had been on top before Sergio Aguero put the visitors ahead, then were mounting a comeback before Javi Garcia put the Blues two goals in front.

Demba Ba's goal at the start of the second half breathed new life into the Magpies, though, and they threw everything at Joe Hart and his defence before, with an increasingly rare counter-attack, Yaya Toure killed the game off.

And Williamson admitted: "We're at the wrong end of the league and that's what happens.

"Last year, when we were doing well and everything was going well, we were getting the little deflections and knock-downs and the momentum would carry us through. Everything was great but it's times like this when we're on top and that crucial goal doesn't come and then we concede at the other.

"It's disappointing but we've got the players and we've got the mentality and strength to get us out of this position."

From facing the team who finished first last season, Newcastle will host the side who started this weekend bottom of the league in seven days time when Queens Park Rangers come to St. James' Park.

And with trips to Manchester United and Arsenal following that fixture, Williamson knows a three-point haul is essential against Harry Redknapp's revitalised outfit.

"The gaffer said today that the next one was most important, regardless of who it is," the ex-Portsmouth man said.

"But they're going to be fighting for their lives and they're going to be physically and mentally up for it. We will be as well because we know the situation we're in and we've just got to come and try and do the same as we did today on the positive side but tighten up a few things."

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