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Vurn Reflects On Mersey Beat
Written by Newcastle Utd
Vurnon Anita spoke to nufc.co.uk following Monday's Premier League defeat away at Liverpool
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Vurnon Anita believes there were positives to take from Newcastle United's defeat at Liverpool on Monday, but knows the Magpies have to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
The 2-0 reverse at Anfield was the Magpies' fifth successive Barclays Premier League loss - leaving them 13th in the top flight table and nine points clear of relegation.
Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen struck in each half for Liverpool but Newcastle provided some encouraging moments, with home goalkeeper Simon Mignolet having to make a number of key saves to preserve his clean sheet.
And a penalty appeal was turned down before half-time, when Dejan Lovren sent Ayoze Perez tumbling in the box - something Anita reckons was a key moment in the contest.
"Everyone is very disappointed, of course," the Dutchman told nufc.co.uk.
"The performance was better than against Sunderland. We showed more fight and were much better on the ball.
"I think we deserved a bit more.
"A few times we did very well with the ball and also should have had a penalty for the tackle on Ayoze. That was a big moment and the game could change from there if we got it.
"But we lost again so it's not a good situation to be in. We need to keep going, to work hard in training and get a positive reaction for Spurs on Sunday.
"We need to get something out of the last six games. They are all finals for us and we need to get points.
"It's very important to stop this run as soon as possible. As players you always want to win, and if you lose it is a bad feeling. We have to keep fighting, to stick together and keep going."
Midfielder Anita returned to the United starting line-up for the fixture and was deployed at left-back - a role he has previously played while at former club Ajax.
And while he admits to still learning the ropes as a makeshift defender, the 26-year-old is more than happy to help out wherever needed for the good of the side.
"I always want to play, and if I'm not in the team then it's not good," he continued.
"But I will never give up and was thankful to be back in the team again.
"It was okay (to play left-back). It is something quite new for me, especially over here in England. I have played there before in the past (at Ajax) but it is still quite new to me.
"But I will play wherever I need to for the team. If you get the chance to play, you take it so you can show yourself and fight to help the team."