Nathan Collins believes that Brentford were unfortunate to come away from St James’ Park empty handed on Saturday.
Callum Wilson’s penalty midway through the second half consigned the Bees to a first defeat of the season on Tyneside.
“It’s frustrating, I’m gutted,” he said. “The lads put so much into it, honest to God.
“We made it so hard for them; I’m really proud of the performance.
“It’s a tough game here, a tough place to come. This is one of the hardest places to come in the league.”
“The lads put so much into it, honest to God. We made it so hard for them; I’m really proud of the performance”
Thomas Frank’s side created some dangerous situations against the Magpies, with Collins presented more freedom to progress the ball in a back three alongside Ethan Pinnock and Ben Mee.
Only one Brentford player (Mathias Jensen, 71) had more touches of the ball than the Republic of Ireland international (59).
“They go full press on goal-kicks so it’s difficult,” Collins continued.
“When it’s in the middle we have to open the game and open the play. We have to get involved and create chances – it’s part of the game. I thought we played nice football.
“On the ball I have a bit more freedom [in a back three]; I can join in the attack a bit more, play a bit higher and suck in players a bit more.
"The gaffer gives me freedom to get involved, so it’s up to me to find the right positions."