Newcastle United defender Daryl Janmaat insists the club are not worrying about a relegation battle but conceded the club must start to pick up points soon.

The Magpies grabbed their first win of the season with a 6-2 thrashing of Norwich City but they were brought back down to earth with a demoralising 3-0 defeat to fierce rivals Sunderland on Sunday.

Steve McClaren’s men dominated the first half but a controversial penalty just before the break, which was made even worse by the sending off of Fabricio Coloccini, turned the game on its head.

Adam Johnson, Billy Jones and Steven Fletcher all struck for the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light and that result lifted the hosts to 18th place in the table, demoting their fierce rivals to 19th.

The sixth loss of the season for Newcastle has left them two points from safety and, although Janmaat is not fearing a battle at the bottom, the Dutchman admits the results need to improve sooner rather than later.

“It is a worry, that’s normal because we are now in the relegation positions, so we have to do better and win games soon,” Janmaat said.
“We have Stoke at home and we have to win that.”

Next up for the Magpies is a home clash against Stoke City on Saturday as both sides look to bounce back from their respective losses.

The hosts have not beaten the Potters since a 5-1 win back in December 2013 but they are slight favourites at 2.40 to clinch all three points at St James’ Park. Mark Hughes’ men are priced at 3.00 to triumph while a draw is available at 3.25.