Toon won’t back down, says Yedlin

DEANDRE Yedlin marked his 101st game with a goal as he helped his Newcastle United side beat Bournemouth 2-1.

It has capped off what has been a great return to fitness for the American, who missed the start of the season having had a setback following surgery near the end of the last campaign.

But having put the hours in, he’s quickly won back his place – seeing off Javier Manquillo and new signing Emil Krafth.

The goal against Bournemouth – a diving back-post header – was his first at St James’ Park and drew United level.

The Magpies went on to win 2-1 thanks to a Ciaran Clark goal.

It was United’s fourth victory of the season, with Bournemouth added to the list alongside West Ham, Manchester United and Tottenham.

Speaking to NUFC.co.uk, Yedlin admits there’s some gratification in beating the top sides.

“For whatever reason, this club’s in, I don’t want to say the spotlight, but I get the feeling that people want this club to fail, for some reason.

“I think we can prove them wrong, and it is quite a good feeling – not in the sense that we’re proving them wrong, but proving the fans and supporters that believe in us right.

“It’s good for them, and for us. We’re not this every-year relegation team that everybody seems to think we are.”

With the exit of Rafa Benitez , many tipped the Magpies for relegation, and after the thumping off Leicester City in September, the concern only heightened.

But things have turned around, with Steve Bruce guiding his side to 11 points from the five games to have come since that 5-0 defeat by the Foxes.

United went into many of the games in which they’ve claimed points as the underdog, but that tag doesn’t bother Yedlin.

“Each individual game is just about focusing on what’s at hand, the different situations to take care of and the players you have to be wary of, but in terms of feeling like an underdog – that’s more of a bigger picture thing.

“That’s when you finish a season and look back at what you’ve done and accomplished, that’s when that feeling sets in.

“You can be proud of it. I always say this – people might see us as an underdog, but we’re a confident side. We’re a team that is not going to back down.”