Elliot: "We're Not Far From Cracking It"

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Rob Elliot believes Newcastle United were unfortunate to leave the Emirates Stadium empty-handed on Saturday, and is confident the Magpies will put together a run of results sooner rather than later.

Laurent Koscielny's second-half goal was enough to secure all three points for Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League clash, condemning United to a third straight single-goal defeat.

All three of those games have seen Newcastle play well in spells and create chances, albeit without taking them, but Elliot insists they are close to finding the results which will see them climb out of the top flight's relegation zone.

"It was harsh," the goalkeeper said of the defeat against the Gunners.

"I thought we played really well but we've got to start taking our chances.

"When you come to the Emirates, if they produce a bit of magic with the world class players they've got, then you hold your hands up. But the way we conceded and the chances we had, everyone is so disappointed.

"The potential is there to be seen. I thought we dominated the game from start to finish. They put us under a bit of pressure but not as much as we put them under.

"Petr Cech was probably their best player, and I had the quietest game I've had in a while, which tells its own story.

"It's a good start to the New Year in terms of performance, but performances alone aren't good enough. We have to start picking up points, quickly.

"We're not far from cracking it. You can see we're almost there but it's fine margins and getting those things right. Those small things are the difference between winning and losing.

"Coming to Arsenal, nobody would have given us a chance, but we performed well and need to show that for the rest of the season.

"If we can keep showing that charcater and improve in a couple of areas, we should be alright."

Elliot missed United's defeat at West Bromwich Albion through illness but recovered to take his place between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium five days later.

"I'm much better now," he continued.

"(At West Brom) I tried to warm up but could barely concentrate and was sick, so I don't think I would have done anyone any favours in playing.

"I was gutted to miss the game because I love playing for this team but I was pleased to be back today.

"The lads in front of me, especially the two centre-halves, were fantastic, and made my afternoon that much easier. I just wish we were leaving here with a result."