Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes has admitted the Magpies have not produced a great performance for a full 90 minutes under head coach Matthias Jaissle, calling that consistency the "next step" for the side.
Barnes has been one of the better performers this term during the 38-year-old's short time in charge and is United's top goalscorer this season with four goals in all competitions. Jaissle has come in for criticism over his side's performances in recent weeks, with Newcastle losing four of their five matches since returning from the September and October international break.
Pressure builds after poor run
After a decent start to the season, pressure is now ramping up, with questions being raised about Jaissle's system, his 'vertical football' philosophy and how easy Newcastle have been to play through at times, while lacking a goal threat at the other end of the pitch.
Newcastle's only win in this latest block of fixtures came at Crystal Palace last month, where Barnes and Will Osula scored in a blistering 15-minute spell at the start of the second half to seal a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park. The Magpies had similar spells against Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City in their two other wins so far this term, but they have not been able to piece together a great performance for a full 90 minutes.
Barnes on the next step
"There has been moments where it's looked great," Barnes told the official Newcastle United matchday programme. "We probably haven't done that for a full 90 minutes yet and that is the next step for us, to consistently produce that."
"But especially that first half an hour of the second half at Palace, we were really good, really attacking minded, and we really took the game to them. And that's the reward you get, you get the goals and then the team defends great and you go and get a comfortable victory in the end."
Barnes added: "You want to be in an attacking team that's creating a lot of chances and so far you've seen that. For me, it's great. I want to be in those central areas and finding myself in front of goal as many times as I can. I will always back myself when I am in those areas to get my shots off so the more times you can do that in games and affect that, the more chance you've got to score and help the team."
Fulham test ahead
Newcastle travel to West London on Saturday to take on Fulham, as Jaissle will look to ease the growing pressure with a win at Craven Cottage before heading into a two-week international break.
