Newcastle desperate for win to end losing run - Anita

Midfielder Vurnon Anita has said Newcastle United are "desperate" to end their Premier League losing streak against Wigan Athletic on Monday night.

The Magpies responded to last weekend's 2-0 defeat by Southampton with an improved midweek display at Stoke but were unable to halt the run of defeats.

Injury-hit Magpies

  • Steven Taylor - hamstring
  • Yohan Cabaye - groin
  • Hatem Ben Arfa - hamstring
  • Ryan Taylor - cruciate ligament
  • Shola Ameobi - groin
  • Gabriel Obertan - toe
  • Dan Gosling - knee
  • Haris Vuckic - knee

"We're in a bit of a downward spiral but we're positive, we know what we can do." Anita told BBC Newcastle.

"It's four defeats in a row now and we're desperate for a win."

Alan Pardew described his side's loss at the Britannia Stadium as "galling" particularly as injuries to key players continue to hamper squad selection.

However the return of Papiss Cisse to the scoresheet and Pardew's support for his players has raised confidence within the squad.

"We know we can do it. We need to take our spirit into the match against Wigan," Anita added.

Tonight helped us well as we played very well with and without possession and of course we finally scored a goal.

"We must, must, must win."