Newcastle fall asleep at Chelsea

Colback and his team-mates were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea on Saturday.

Inspired by Remy Cabella, Newcastle had dominated the first half, but they couldn’t make their chances count and a defensive lapse before the break was to prove costly.

Fabricio Coloccini conceded a corner, and before he and his team-mates had set themselves up to defend it, the ball was at the feet of Oscar, who finished from close range.

Diego Costa made sure of the points for the Premier League leaders in the second half.

And midfielder Colback said: “We played well in the first half, but obviously goals change games.

“When they went 1-0 up, it changed the whole complexion of the game.

“They managed to get that goal, and we probably went a bit sleepy for it. They’ve got the players to punish you for that.

“I think we could have defended the goals a lot better, especially the first one. They played the ball quickly, and unfortunately Colo was out of position because he’d gone across to close the ball down.

“Maybe we should have been a bit more switched on, because they’ve got the players to see an opportunity like that and make it count.

“The second goal was a ridiculous goal by them, but that’s what they can do.”

Caretaker manager John Carver could again be in charge for Saturday’s home game against Chelsea, though the club is in talks with Remi Garde about him becoming the club’s new head coach.

“Maybe it would help if things were resolved one way or the other, because it’s never good when you don’t know what’s happening,” said 25-year-old Colback.

“That applies to the fans as well, because I’m sure they want to know what’s happening too. I’m sure the club will come to a decision and we’ll see what happens then.”