Tiote's Got That Winning Feeling

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Cheick Tiote hailed his teammates' never-say-die attitude as Newcastle United secured a last-gasp victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Leading scorer Loic Remy was the Magpies' hero, netting his 12th goal of the season deep into stoppage to secure all three points at St. James' Park.

It wasn't a vintage performance from Alan Pardew's side, who were made to work hard for the victory, but it finally put an end to a unwanted run of five successive home defeats in all competitions.

And in Tiote's opinion, regaining that winning feeling was all that mattered.

"It was a very, very good win for us," the Ivorian enforcer told nufc.co.uk at the final whistle.

"We hadn't won for a long time so this is massive for the players, the manager, the fans- everyone.

"The main thing was to win the game. It was tough and it wasn't always a good match but we have three points and that is all that matters.

"We deserved it. Aston Villa said they tried to win the game but I don't think so. We had more chances and pushed hard, especially in the second half.

"Papiss and Loic both missed good chances but we kept believing and kept pushing and pushing until the end. That is what we do - we never stop."

Sunday's Barclays Premier League fixture saw Tiote pull on the black and white striped shirt for the first time in three weeks following a hamstring injury.

And the midfielder was delighted to be able to help United return to winning ways.

"For me, it was good to be back after missing a couple of games. I was happy to be back out there doing my job," said Tiote.

"I have found it hard, standing outside the pitch looking in, watching my teammates losing games. You cannot do anything and that is hard.

"But it means that when you come back you try even harder to play well and put things right."

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