Town boss Kieran McKenna has reflected on the error which led to Newcastle’s third goal in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to the Magpies and says the mood in the squad is positive ahead of Friday’s trip to Arsenal.

The defeat to Newcastle was perhaps the most disappointing performance of the campaign with the visitors in charge from virtually start to finish.

McKenna says the display has been reviewed and the aspects which need to improve highlighted.

“We've addressed it and we've watched back through the game and had a look at the things that we need to do better,” he said. “And other than that, everyone's positive and looking forward to Arsenal.

“We know we've got a great next game ahead. Arsenal on a Friday night at the Emirates is a fantastic one in the journey for this group of players and for the club.  
 
“Of course, we were very, very disappointed after Saturday, but everyone's now full eyes turned towards Arsenal and looking forward to the game.”

Asked for his thoughts on individual errors of the type which led to the Magpies’ third goal on Saturday, Jens Cajuste losing possession to Bruno Guimaraes on the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Aro Muric, McKenna said: “It's about trying to make as many good decisions as possible. It's not necessarily about being brave or risk averse or anything like that, it’s trying to make the best decisions in the situation.

“We've done that at different times this season. The third goal on Saturday, maybe it wasn't the best decision in the situation, but that's not about bravery or risk.  
 
“We feel like phases of the game where we're pressing higher or we're building out from the back, when we execute well at the right times, we don't see either of those things as being particularly risky situations.  
 
“But if we don't make the right decision at the right time, then that's when more risk comes into it.

“It's about trying to develop the group, educating the players on different moments of the game and different situations, and what is the most appropriate decision to make in each situation.

“And then it's about working with them in that process because they're human beings, they're not going to get every judgement right in the level that we're operating at, the time and the margins to make your decisions are so, so, so fast.  
 
“So, it's always easy in hindsight to look at a situation and correct what was done at the time.

“But it's also important to remember that these are split-second decisions and just work with the individuals to make the most appropriate decision at the right time as often as possible.”

Quizzed on Match of the Day’s criticism of left-back Leif Davis regarding his positioning ahead of Newcastle’s opening goal in the 25th second on Saturday, the Blues boss said: “I haven't seen it. I think it's natural if you concede, any team in the world, whether it's us or Man City or Barcelona, if you concede a goal someone can always pick something out about the goal in isolation and discuss it.

“And if you're a team who have come into the Premier League after two promotions in a row, you're going to concede some goals and someone can always be picked out.

“Leif knows what he has to work on and what he's still trying to improve. He knows what he's doing well. He knows where he's at.

“He's a really important player for us. He's someone we support and we want to keep helping and developing, and I think he's doing that very well. I think he's in the same boat as the rest of the players.”

Photo: TWTD

gkroon89 added 17:09 - Dec 24 Anyone else confused??? “ watched back through the game and had a look at the things that we need to do better” When it comes to MOTD’s criticism of Davi’s on the goal - “I haven't seen it” I get a manager protecting players, but it can go the other way of being soft. Will he drop some players and can he adjust to a different formation? These are what make the best managers. Routing for Kieran, but we still need variety. Gareth Southgate looked good on paper, but was afraid to change tactically and had favourites. Just need to be careful and know if changes of those playing and formation adjustments are needed.

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slade1 added 17:21 - Dec 24 gkroon89 not confusing. he meant he hasn't seen match of the day
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WestSussexBlue added 17:22 - Dec 24 Superb support and backing as always for the players from their manager. “We’ve reviewed, discussed and grow as a group”,
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Dissboyitfc added 17:41 - Dec 24 unfortunately i dont see with however much coaching that Muric will improve his decision making!
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Tedray added 18:04 - Dec 24 As for decision making there is one obvious one to be made by you Keiran we all know who it is............
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Suffolkboy added 18:36 - Dec 24 KM accurately defines the challenges of taking and executing decisions — at the time they are thrust upon you ,AND recognising the period of time in which action is needed and fulfilled ! That applies to every on- field player ( not only AM) but fault lines for last defenders become quickly crucial . It’s down to our coaching team to educate and inspire confidence ; that’ll rapidly restore faith and more convincing delivery . What a supportive Manager the players have ; wouldn’t we all wish that to be ? COYB

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blues1 added 20:25 - Dec 24 Today. Reqlly? So,while yes ,Muric played a part in thd 3rd goal, Cajuste was also at fault. Muric played exactly the same pass to morsy 3 or 4 times and wexnevwr had a problem. Bcse Morsy made the right decision to pass thd ball out to Clarke. Cajuste however tried a little flick . And got caught. Bit of course, fans like you don't see thst. Just have to blame Muric every time. He's made 5 errors thst have,cost use goals. And yes, thats too many. But he's,saved us a lot more,times than that. Maybe it isztikexto make a change, but then Walton made 4 errors in 2,games last season so I'd he the answer? Whoever is in goal fans need to get behind them. Not slag them off or boo them.

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Bramidan added 21:16 - Dec 24 When a goal keeper or a defender makes an error, in the PL it is usually punished, a forward makes an error probably 8 people behind him to provide cover. Yes the onus is on the person with the ball to make the right decision, not every decision will be the correct one. Sometimes clearing your lines is better than trying to play out from the back.
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gosblue added 07:14 - Dec 25 Muric is so much better at defending corners than Walton will ever be and Arsenal are a serious threat from corners. Both our keepers need to improve there distribution. It doesn't take a genius to work out that we can't go long to the right wing and expect Hutchinson to win it in the air. Burns wins a few but you can see Omari's confidence being sucked out of him which affects his whole game. If that's where the kick is going every time, hen surely Delap needs to be out there with Hutchinson inside for those kicks.

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Dissboyitfc added 15:09 - Dec 25 Blues1 really the pass to Jens wasn’t the correct decision, Newcastle player was tight on him. The better decision was Burgess to his left in lots of space! Jens had very little time to deal with the ball.
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Bluearmy_81 added 20:07 - Dec 26 Just stick with Muric till we go down McK. Your stubbornness will cost us survival
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Magic8 added 09:24 - Dec 27 Do you remember KMc saying we need to be brave...not the players..us the supporters...that time is here and now....stick with the boys not walk out at halftime like a couple near near me in the West Stand did against Newcastle ...who give standing ovations to players when they are substituted in good times but when they need real SUPPORT in difficult moments they abandoned them...be brave ...support your club through good times and bad..real supporters..support.

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