Newcastle United will aim to return to winning ways this weekend against Bournemouth, after a 1-0 defeat on Monday night against Burnley saw the Magpies’ three-match unbeaten run come to an end.
Rafael Benitez’s side also missed the chance to rise to sixth in the table and will aim to boost their position in the top-half with another victory this weekend, where plenty of attention may fall upon winger Christian Atsu.
The 25-year-old spent the 2014/15 season on-loan at Bournemouth from Chelsea but made just two appearances during his time on the South Coast, during a period where he struggled with injuries and a loss of form.
Now, ahead of facing off against his former side at St. James’ Park, the Ghanian ace has insisted he has nothing to prove. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said:
“I have nothing to prove to Bournemouth. I was unlucky, I had a lot of injuries while I was at Bournemouth and the team was also doing well so it was difficult for the manager to change the squad.”
“So the blame is not on anybody, that is how football is. I am just working hard now and trying to focus on Newcastle.”
Atsu has become a crucial part of Benitez’s side this season, appearing in all ten of the Premier League matches so far, but has insisted he and his team-mates are not getting ahead of themselves despite their solid position in the table.
“I think we are working hard, the table for us is not important, we just try to focus on each and every game and try our best to win and also improve as a squad. I am working hard for the team, I think I need to score more goals and create more chances for the other players but I keep working hard and try to build my confidence,”
