Fighting talk from Jamaal Lascelles who reveals why we will compete with the big boys this season

Jamaal Lascelles has delivered yet more fighting talk for the Toon Army to enjoy this week, claiming that our point and dogged display against Liverpool won’t be the last time a big side struggles against us this season.

The skipper – who at 23 is the youngest captain in the Premier League – is enjoying seeing us head into the international break in 9th place and has opened up about the hunger in the Newcastle United dressing room, telling The Chronicle that teams will struggle to play against us if we continue to play with the same energy and intensity that we showed against Liverpool:

“We are looking at the table and can enjoy it, but are also taking things step by step because we know it is a long season.

“Every game is going to be tough, although I do really feel if we have the same energy and intensity as the Liverpool game and can show it home and away, teams will struggle (against us).

“We knew it was going to be tough – it’s against Liverpool at home after all.

“You looked at the board when the manager put their team up and you just looked at all that quality – the likes of Coutinho, Sturridge, Salah and Mane.

“You know straight away it is going to be tough, but the advantage that we had was our hunger.

“We were looking forward to it – we were up for the game and it showed on the pitch.

“We were bright and up for the first and second balls and overall it is a good well-earned point.”

Another honest but admirable assessment from Lascelles. Like him, I was walking to the ground before Sunday’s game just wondering just how we’d cope against the likes of Coutinho, Salah and Mane, but this team proved to us once again that hard work and determination will allow us to compete this season.

We have one of the youngest starting 11’s in the top flight, with several players under the age of 25 striving to be a success in the Premier League and Lascelles has made reference to our youthful exuberance, believing that a real sense of determination is developing within our ranks:

“We are a young group of players and we are going to work hard for the badge.

“That’s what pushes us. We are putting in great team performances and we’re all pretty pleased.”

Another rousing statement from the captain and one that’s music to the ears of us Newcastle fans.

For years we’ve carried the famous quote ‘we demand a team that tries, not a team that wins’, demanding effort above all else and Lascelles’ words and the actions of our squad certainly suggest we’ve got a team of fighters this season.

Great stuff from the skipper once again.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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