“Today was a step too far” - Tindall urges players to fight after Aston Villa loss

Jason Tindall has spoke to the media after our agonising 4-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday night.

Fabian Schar was the sole name on the Toon goal sheet as efforts from Watkins, Maatsen, Onana and a Dan Burn own goal saw us fall to arguably our worst defeat of the season at the worst possible time.

Here’s what Tindall had to say after the game:

Reflecting on today’s performance:

It was a tale of two halves for us: the first being a serviceable, even encounter. But the second showed a complete gulf in quality between us and the hosts.

Tindall believed that the congested schedule finally caught up to us. Here’s what he had to say:

“On reflection over the 90 minutes Aston Villa deserved to win. From our perspective maybe a third game in six days caught up with us around about the hour is there. The effort is there. We can't lose sight of where we are.”

“Full credit to the players, the effort they have put in this week is there for all to see but maybe today was a step too far for us.”

The latest on Eddie Howe

Saturday marked the third straight game that Tindall assumed the managerial role, with Howe still sidelined after being recently diagnosed with pneumonia. At the time of writing there’s been no update as to when Howe will return to the dugout.

“I’ve not (spoken to Howe). I’ve not had chance to see my phone since the final whistle has gone.”

“I’m not sure if there is any contact there, but as soon as there is any more news, then I’m sure the media team will update on that. Until I’m told otherwise, then obviously that (taking charge of the team) is my duty and what I have to do.”

“I’ve said it before, the most important thing for Ed is that he rests and he recovers. The more he does that, then the sooner he’ll be able to come and lead the team again.”

“He remains the same. With Eddie, it's a day-by-day thing. When he feels right, he will speak to me. They're the terms we've left it on. He's in good hands and the main thing is he gets back and leads the team. We've not been together for probably a day or two in maybe 17 years. I certainly miss him, even more on days like this.”

On what went wrong mentality-wise

From a mentality perspective, the difference between us and Villa was night and day. One side certainly played as if they deserved to be in the Champions League, whilst the other showed that work would still have to be done to be fully convincing contenders for a top five spot.

“It is so important to stay calm and cool and we will do. We have experience of this last time out.”

“We stayed calm and knew what we had to do. The players are aware of that. We were under no illusions. Coming here today was always going to be tough. Our record here at Villa Park today suggests that.”

"We knew they would start fast. Their record here at Villa Park is what it is for a reason. We were disappointed with the start but we showed great character to get ourselves back into the game and go in level at 1-1 at half time.

"The second half we went out and started the half ok but around the hour mark when we conceded the second, the physicality and effort caught up to us. We started making little errors that are unlike us that led to goals.

On lessons to learn from today

Thankfully, we’ve been afforded a positive game to bounce back on, at home to an Ipswich side who may already be condemned to relegation by the time we play them next weekend.

However, Tindall has reiterated that we must learn from today’s performance and result, but continue fighting in order to lock down Champions League football.

“I wouldn't say that it is a reality check. It was always going to be a tough game coming here to Villa Park. What a fantastic side they are with a great manager.”

“We have had many setbacks but one thing about the players and the club is we stick together and come out fighting.”