Callum Wilson insists the Newcastle United squad remain relaxed despite their recent indifferent form. The Magpies extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 17 matches with a point at Bournemouth, but the result means Eddie Howe's side have now drawn five of their last six top-flight encounters.
This run of results has led some to question Newcastle's top-four credentials, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville predicting Tottenham will take the final Champions League qualification spot. The Magpies are currently two points clear of Antonio Conte's side with a game in hand ahead of a home clash with Liverpool on Saturday.
Wilson believes that while extending the unbeaten run which stretches back to August is 'fantastic', he admits the team needs to rise to a new 'challenge' with rivals now 'happy to get draws' against Newcastle. The number nine has called upon his team-mates to tighten up in both attack and defence to return to winning ways.
READ MORE: Bruno Guimaraes theory dismissed as Newcastle star responds to Magpies critics
He told the Footballer's Football Podcast: "It's not a worry, but I also wouldn't say that we're okay with that. Ultimately, if you'd lost one of them against West Ham and win against Bournemouth, you have got more points than what we actually have from those two games. That's the only difference.
"What we need to do is turn those draws into wins, but it is easier said than done. To stay unbeaten is one thing, fantastic, but we're giving away sloppy goals from set-pieces at the moment. That's something that we just need to brush up [on].
"At the front end, we need to be a bit more creative in the final third, and creating goals from different areas of the field. We're facing different kinds of opposition at the minute, everyone is camping in and wanting to take points off you.
"People are happy to get draws now against Newcastle, it's different. It's one of them, we've got to rise up to the challenge. Challenges arise all throughout the season, and this is just another one.
"We've got a tricky game against Liverpool, and then a massive one against Manchester United, and then a game against City. The Premier League is relentless."
READ NEXT
The inside story of Newcastle trialist who snubbed lucrative transfer for shot at Magpies dream
Callum Wilson lifts the lid on Bournemouth absence after latest Newcastle injury
Forgotten Newcastle wonderkid 'absolutely gutted' after huge setback as quiet exit nears
Newcastle breakthrough may lead to Financial Fair Play bonus as well as stadium development
Alan Shearer's 'bonkers' Erling Haaland verdict with Newcastle legend's record in sight
