Townsend says it now do or die for the club in their battle to avoid the drop.
Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend has said it’s now ‘do or die’ for the club after the international break in their battle for survival.
The Magpies got their first point under Rafa Benitez after they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Sunderland thanks to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late header.
It means they are now three points adrift of safety, having played a game less than their next opponents Norwich City – who currently occupy 17th place.
Townsend has told the Chronicle: “It’s got to be the turning point. We need to start winning games now. The fans went home happy because we salvaged something from the game, but we need to start winning football matches.
“That has to start at Norwich after the international break.
“Norwich are three ahead of us now. It’s not in our own hands but there are going to be points dropped.
“If we can beat Norwich it’s all to play for and we’re back in it.
“We are looking forward to Norwich and we have two more weeks training with the manager and him drilling his philosophy. We have to be positive.”
Certainly, if Newcastle manage to get all three points after the international break at Carrow Road, it would land a big blow in their bid to avoid the drop, as it would close the gap on the Canaries having played a game less.
The international break has perhaps come at the right time for Newcastle. Though there have been evident signs of improvement from the side during Rafa Benitez’s first two games in charge of the club, he now has a chunk of time ahead of their biggest game of the season to work with the squad and get his message across properly.
Whether the equaliser against Sunderland is a turning point remains to be seen, but it was certainly crucial for the side to keep in with the side ahead of him in their bid for survival – now they need it to generate some momentum.
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