Allardyce crisis talks?

Newcastle chairman Chris Mort - who acts on behalf of owner Mike Ashley - has admitted that the club and Sam Allardyce held crisis talks after a poor run of form. The result of a draw against Arsenal seemed to take the pressure off Allardyce a little.

"Sam and I met and we knew we had to put things right," explained Mort. "We were both very keen to go out and do well against Arsenal.

"It might not have happened last night but we knew that eventually it would turn round. We know it will turn eventually.

"But we were never going to isolate things on one game or say a time when we would do something. We did exactly what we had to do and got in amongst them.

"We performed in a way that is incredibly satisfying for everybody connected with Newcastle. The fans would have gone home happy and we are all thrilled with the performance.

"The fans were perfect but that didn't surprise me. We went 1-0 down and they absolutely supported their team. As we have said throughout, the Newcastle fans can have a massive influence.

"The result could have been even better. If anybody was going to win the game, it was us. There were a series of corners at the end when it looked like we might get the winner."