Christian Atsu shifts attention to Southampton clash after Anfield defeat

Newcastle United winger, Christian Atsu has shifted his attention on their upcoming game against Southampton after losing 2:0 to Liverpool on Saturday.

The former Chelsea winger saw his brilliant strike saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius to deny then visitor parity in the crunch clash and says after the game he was surprised his intelligent strike couldn’t enter the net.

Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane score each to ensure Liverpool beat their former manager Raphael Benitez.

"Yeh I was surprised the ball couldn’t get in because I saw the ball moving, that was a great safe it could have been a different game if it was 1-1 but all the same, we are focusing on the next game now," Atsu told NUFC TV after the game.

"Yeh I think we started very well, we were defending good, we were compact and we made things difficult for them [Liverpool] until the 39th minute when they broke the deadlock.

"In the second half we were still in the game and then we conceded the second goal which was very difficult. We wanted to them clear sheet till the second half but unfortunately, we couldn’t achieve that and we came back trying to score and they added another goal which was very difficult for us but I think the team worked really hard and we are focusing on the next game.

"Yeh even me I was surprised the ball couldn’t get in because I saw the ball moving, that was a great safe it could have been a different game if it was 1-1 but all the same, we are focusing on the next game now.

"They have great players in the shape of, Salah, they always press high and try always to make their opponent defend anytime they lose the ball you can could see a lot of them pressing and which made it difficult for us and other teams but in all we did well and like I said next game is what is important now.

The Ghanaian winger also spoke about their upcoming fixture against Southampton at the St James’ Park.

"We wanted to get three points from Bournemouth and this one but we couldn’t get so we have to give everything against Southampton at home.

"I believe the fans will be behind us and how we fought today we try everything if we put that determination in the next game I believe we will get the win," he added.