Sunday 17 May 2015 08:58, UK
John Carver blamed a "mad 10 minutes" for Newcastle surrendering a one-goal lead in a 2-1 defeat at QPR to heighten their relegation worries.
Newcastle sit just two points above Hull in 18th, and if the Tigers manage to get the better of Manchester United in next Sunday’s final game of the season, then only a win over West Ham at St James’ Park will ensure the Magpies remain in the top flight.
At 1-0, and with Hull losing at Tottenham, it looked as though Carver’s men would cruise to mathematical safety at Loftus Road but quick-fire goals from Matt Phillips and Leroy Fer condemned Newcastle to a ninth defeat in 10.
“It was a mad 10 minutes in the second half,” Carver, who insisted his players had not "bottled it," told Sky Sports.
“They changed their shape a little and brought their wide players in a little narrower, and our wide players decided that they were going to play as high strikers.
“It didn’t help us, they kept turning us, picking up the second ball, and we were in fact looking to change it when they actually scored.
“It is disappointing. I thought we were in control and they were not causing us any problems.
“Because of our goal difference we had to go for the win.
“The plan was to bring (Papiss) Cisse on at 1-1. I was going to bring him on at half time, but we were in control so didn’t want to change it.
Despite such a poor run of results, Newcastle's fate is still in their own hands, and with Hull facing a United side aiming for a third-placed finish or higher, they will still be favourites to secure their safety.
“It is the best scenario when you haven’t got the result that you want today,” Carver added
“They [Hull] have lost at Spurs, and that can only help us. There is one game left and it is a do-or-die situation.
“We have to manage that pressure and focus, stay out of the media spotlight and try to keep it as low key as possible.
“We have talked about some of the recent games being the biggest in our history, and this one is certainly one of them.
“You cannot doubt the commitment of the players. They have given everything today.”
The feeling around St James’ Park is already very deflated due to events off the field, but Carver feels that on the day, the fans will get behind their side to encourage them to victory over the Hammers.
“Our last home game against West Brom all the fans got behind the team,” Carver added.
“For the 90 minutes, get behind your team and then air your differences afterwards.
“I know for a fact what our fans are like and they will get behind the team.”
