Jose Mourinho: We were bad in every aspect of the game

McClaren only took the Newcastle the job in the summer but with just two points from his first six Premier League games and an early exit in the League Cup to lower league opposition to their name, rumours are rife that McClaren is under pressure.

Sometimes it can be very quick, sometimes it takes a long time but that is what we are changing.

“We have got to have that fighting mentality rather than that victim one“.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, things are set to go from bad to worse this weekend when José Mourinho’s Chelsea come to town.

With a bit more consistency, Everton midfielder Ross Barkley can reach the level of former England stalwarts Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, according to team-mate Gareth Barry.

Chelsea on the other hand have steadied the ship with three wins in eight days after a rocky start to their campaign which has them in 15.

It really is two points lost, but taking into consideration the fact that they lost this fixture last season, it does seem a good improvement.

This was followed by a more typical Chelsea performance as they fought and connived their way to a 2-0 win over hated rivals Arsenal.

“I remember reading, “If they lose in Juventus, he’ll get the sack”.

Loic Remy insists he can fill the void left by the banned Diego Costa at Chelsea.

But errors like Zouma made in the first half will lessen Jose Mourinho’s faith in him.

“I’m not here to criticise individuals and whatever I say will never be enough to vindicate the performance and the result”.

“We say how far do we have to go before we turn it around, because the players are capable of doing that”. It is the back four, the goalkeeper, the front unit, it is everything.

Another Championship side, Middlesbrough, comfortable 3-0 winners over Wolves on Tuesday, will face a stiffer test against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

“I think Chancel Mbemba has come in and adapted very quickly. I’m proud to wear this armband”, he tweeted.

The Owls’ reward for beating the Premier League side is a home tie against Arsenal next month.

But there is a swagger and a fizz lacking in their play until a desperate last 15-20 minutes, when they narrowly avoided their fourth consecutive defeat on Tyneside.

The one thing that is missing is three points.

Chelsea responded impressively after half-time, only to be hit by a sucker punch when Wijnaldum nodded home a second.

He said: “That’s football”.