Speaking to the club’s official website, Newcastle United forward Christian Atsu believes his side deserved more following their efforts in Saturday’s draw with Bristol City.

Rafa Benitez’s side were held to a 2-2 draw with the struggling Robins, as they slipped off the top of the Sky Bet Championship table.

Newcastle’s draw, combined with Brighton and Hove Albion’s victory over Reading, saw Chris Hughton’s side overtake the Magpies in the race for the Championship title.

Aaron Wilbraham and David Cotterill had given City a surprising lead at St James’ Park, before a Korey Smith own-goal and Ciaran Clark hauled Newcastle level.

Atsu, who was making his first start of 2017, told nufc.co.uk: “I think we deserved to win the game. We created a lot of chances. In the first half, we conceded two goals, and I think we did very well to fight back to draw 2-2.

"But I thought we deserved to win the game even though we were two down – we came back and still we were creating enough chances.”

Next up for Benitez’s side is a trip to league leaders Brighton on Tuesday, where victory for Newcastle will see them return to the top of the Championship table.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s crunch clash, Atsu continued: “This is a very difficult game – we know that. But for me, you treat every game the same way. We’ll keep fighting when we go away to Brighton.”

Tuesday’s match with Brighton sees Newcastle start a massive week in the Championship, with them also facing promotion chasing Huddersfield Town and Reading within the coming week.

Newcastle fans… Do you agree with Atsu that your side should have managed a victory on Saturday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!