Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren pleased despite Everton loss
Saturday 26 December 2015 21:20, UK
Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has said his side did not deserve to lose to Everton and that Tom Cleverley's dramatic injury-time winner was "cruel".
Everton dominated the first half but failed to make their possession count as Magpies goalkeeper Rob Elliot produced a stellar display.
The Magpies were much improved in the second half but were undone by a 94th-minute looping header from Cleverley after Elliot failed to deal with a corner.
McClaren said the goal deflated the home dressing room after the game. "I've lost quite a few games in the last minute and cruel endings, but never before have I felt so upset and disappointed for a set of players than I did when I walked in that dressing room. They didn't deserve that. They gave everything," the manager said.
"Second half, magnificent. I think we stood toe to toe with a very good Everton team. I thought the response from the crowd was terrific. We didn't didn't deserve to lose.
Newcastle players were clearly dejected at the full-time whistle and were applauded by the home faithful as they departed the St James' pitch.
McClaren believes his side - who lie 18th and in the relegation zone following the defeat - can take heart from their performance.
"That kind of performance, that bodes well for the future. I think the big thing for us [was] the appreciation the fans showed at the end," he added.
"I think that was key. They showed what this team can do and we need to do it again on Monday."
