Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has revealed that "conflict" in the dressing room helped turn around the side's poor run of form.
The Magpies languished in the relegation zone for the majority of the campaign, having taken until mid-October to secure their first three points, but a run of three wins in five - including victories over Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in their last two - has taken them up to 15th in the Premier League as the midpoint approaches.
"What changed? That is a very good question," said McClaren at his pre-match press conference. "We have asked ourselves that. We have looked at the last eight games. We have got 13 points and we are sixth in the form guide.
"On this journey there will be setbacks. You can be analytical trying to get it right, or you can create conflict. We had a bit of conflict.
"We are sorting one or two things. Consistency is crucial. Attitude, work rate. We have got it back to a certain degree and we have to continue that."
Newcastle face basement side Aston Villa in the Midlands in their next Premier League game on Saturday evening.
Neil Wilkes
