Newcastle United should have scored four or five against Rochdale - Christian Atsu

Christian Atsu was left disappointed after Newcastle United's 1-1 stalemate against League One side Rochdale in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

According to Atsu, Newcastle should have been "four or five" goals up before Rochdale equalised at Spotland.

The Ghana winger was one of Newcastle's better performers on the day but could only watch on as Aaron Wilbraham grabbed a dramatic equaliser.

Atsu said: "Cup games are always difficult especially when you are playing away.

"It's like they have nothing to lose.

"For us, it's a competition we want to win in so we always expect teams to make it difficult for us.

"We should be have been four or five up.

"We created clear chances.

"The first half we had all the possession and dominated, including one on ones.

"I am very happy to get in those positions to create something for the team.

"For us we need to take our chances.

"One goal was not enough for us."

When trying to explain where things went wrong, Atsu told NUFC TV: "In the second half we were playing good and created chances.

"But they put pressure on us.

"They were kicking long balls to their tall striker.

"It was very important for them and it changes the game.

"It is important we have another game to play."

Atsu said: "It is also going to be difficult.

"But we need to take our chances.

"If we do we will win that game."

Atsu has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle this season.