Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that his side's desperation to win is ultimately costing them points.

Having finished fifth last season, the Magpies have struggled to recreate their good form in the current campaign and sit 14th in the Premier League.

The Toon Army have lost their last four games on the spin, and Pardew thinks that his side are trying too hard to earn a victory.

"We have to win a game," said Pardew. "We are desperate to win and sometimes desperation to win leads you down wrong avenues, so we have got to be careful.

"We just have to keep our heads and do our jobs, do the jobs we are meant to do. When you have lost two or three – and now four for us – you start doing other people's jobs, and it's very important just to focus on your job and do your job."

Newcastle host Wigan Athletic on Monday.