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Sissoko Delighted To Stop The Rot
Written by Newcastle Utd
Moussa Sissoko spoke to nufc.co.uk after United ended their losing run with a draw against West Brom
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Moussa Sissoko was delighted to put an end to Newcastle United's unwanted run of eight successive defeats - but believes the Magpies should have been celebrating three points, not one, against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Ayoze Perez's strike just before half-time cancelled out a Victor Anichebe header at St. James' Park as United edged closer to Barclays Premier League safety.
The hosts threw everything they had at Albion in the second period - roared on by a vociferous Tyneside crowd - but were unable to secure the winner their pressure arguably deserved.
For midfielder Sissoko, however, it was a case of a point gained, even if that was tinged with disappointment.
"When you have eight defeats in a row, you have to stop it, so for me, it was a good point," the French powerhouse told nufc.co.uk after the final whistle.
"We played well - we showed some character and did some very good things.
"West Brom had maybe two chances apart from their goal - that is it. We had the possession, a lot of crosses and a lot of corners but we just couldn't get the second goal we deserved.
"We tried to do the best we could and we were unlucky because we had a lot of chances to win the game, but weren't able to.
"One point is better than nothing, though, and if we want to stay in the Premier League we have to keep playing like this."
United's preparations for the fixture were different than in recent weeks, with a handful of players-only meetings in the days leading up to the game, as well as the squad and staff staying in a hotel the night before.
And Sissoko believes those things all contributed to a positive result and a real sense of unity and commitment on the pitch.
"The team worked together. We were a proper team and everything we did was better (than the previous eight games)," continued the France international.
"We had meetings in the week, to say something for the final three games. Our performance shows that the meetings were a good thing.
"We also stayed in a hotel before the game. That was good for us as it meant we could spend time together, speak about tactics and be completely focussed.
"Recently we have been so poor in games but this was the opposite, so now we have to continue it and try to win the next game at Queens Park Rangers."