Players held their own inquest into Baggies loss
themselves into the top half of the Premier League, Newcastle have lost their last two matches 1-0.
Yedlin admits that the fact United have secured their target for the season has probably contributed to the last two performances, but he insists the Magpies squad are determined to bounce back and end the campaign on a high.
“We would be lying to say there is nothing like that contributing to it, but that’s not the mentality we want to have,” Yedlin replied when asked whether the players’ levels have dropped since passing the 40-point mark a fortnight ago.
“It is something we need to fix. These last games, we have to take that attitude into them and given our all.
“We need to show the same fight we did when we tried to get to that 40-point mark.
“It’s important we finish on a high. We went through a tricky patch before Christmas where we didn’t play very well and there was some negativity around us, but we stayed positive in the camp.
“Obviously we are going through a little dip at the moment and we need to stay positive.
“We need to start picking up results again. Hopefully we can finish the season strongly.” Left exposed for the goal but didn’t have much else to do as West Brom had just one over shot on target. Managed a couple of important interceptions and whipped in four crosses to try to support a struggling frontline. Booted away five clearances but far from his best display. Both centre-backs pushed too far up the field to allow West Brom to score. Putting aside his part in the winning goal after creeping too far upfield, he then emerged as United’s best player on the day. Pulled out of position for the winning strike. A disappointing afternoon as Phillips dominated near the Toon defender’s zone. Hard to fault the winger after 11 crosses and a gutsy display. His holiday bookings look safe on this evidence. Did not shirk the midfield battle with six tackles and a couple of interceptions. But has had better days this season. Clipped the bottom of the post in the first half. His defensive attributes were on show in the second half as he got seven tackles in. Didn’t manage a single shot. A big dip after performances during four-game winning streak. Unlucky to see late first-half header fantastically saved by Foster. It’s not falling for the number 9 at the moment. Jacob Murphy ............................. 5 (for Dummett 58). Couldn’t turn the game on its head. Islami Slimani .............................. 4 (for Gayle 66). Spotted lashing out in the closing stages. Did not look like a £28million striker. Joselu (for Perez 78) *Subs must play 15 minutes to earn a mark.