We are making far too many mistakes, says honest captain

JAMAAL Lascelles has offered a brutally honest account of Newcastle United’s current form after his side surrendered two big points against Leeds.

The Newcastle skipper netted his third goal of the campaign on Friday night at St James’ Park but admitted the Magpies are “killing themselves” with their own mistakes during the run-in.

After taking just one point from six against Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday, they now face a fight to wrestle the title out of Brighton’s hands.

After dropping two points against Leeds, United are offering Huddersfield encouragement in the automatic promotion race.

Speaking after the game, Lascelles said: “It is the hardest game I have played in in terms of what we took out of it.

“I thought from start to finish we were all over them.

“They hit the crossbar early on but other than that we battered them.

“We had so many opportunities we could have seen them off.

“At the end we have to learn how to manage games better.

“There were a lot of errors leading up to the goal and it is one of those games where we will look at ourselves.

“The most disappointing thing is it is not like teams are testing us or hurting us, we are killing ourselves.

“We could have easily seen them off.

“We have to stay positive. We are still in a good position, we will train again and go again on Monday.

“We have to keep our heads up and go again.”

Lascelles hopes to use United’s frustration to help push them closer to the finish line.

In an interview with NUFC TV, Lascelles added: “Against Burton when the goal was disallowed we stepped up and used the anger in our favour.

“We are the ones who have to step on the pitch and make chances.

“We made bad decisions so works both ways.” Lascelles was also critical of his own contributions and the team’s failure to make more from the 19 corners they won.

Despite his goal, Lascelles said: “I probably should have had more goals this season.

“The deliveries were excellent (against Leeds) and I managed to whizz on a few flick-ons from the near post which people should have got on to. “I was in the right area but unfortunately my goal was not enough to get the three points.” it