Allardyce "relieved" by point
Allardyce has played down talk of a rift with his players this week
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Thursday, 06, Dec 2007 08:58
Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has admitted he was "relieved" to take a point in last night's match against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Magpies defender Steven Taylor slotted home from 12 yards midway through the second half to cancel out Emmanuel Adebayor's early volley for the visitors.
And although the hosts had chances to win the game at the end, they could find no way through the Gunners' resolute defence.
Nevertheless Allardyce believes it was a point gained rather than two points dropped, especially after the last two matches at St James' Park ended 3-0 and 4-1 to the visiting teams, Liverpool and Portsmouth.
"After the last few results, we are obviously relieved to get a point on the board against the best team in the Premier League at the moment," he said.
"It takes the pressure off. We have lost the last two home games poorly.
"I have seen a performance and result today that has to carry on to performances and more and more results."
Allardyce also said he felt his side were "very unlucky" not to have come away with three points.
"I feel we had the better chances," he added.
Arsenal's draw puts them four points clear of Manchester United at the top of the table ahead of the Gunners' tricky Christmas schedule which includes matches against Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.