GRAEME SOUNESS cut a frustrated figure after yesterday's Premiership clash against Manchester United.

The 51-year-old Scot saw his side fall to a Wayne Rooney brace and a controversial Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty in a 3-1 home defeat.

The loss was Newcastle's fourth successive defeat and their third at home after enjoying a run of ten previous games unbeaten.

"I'm angry and frustrated that we've got nothing from a game we feel we should have got something from," said Souness.

"The way I saw the game was that they started better than us and controlled things for 15 or 20 minutes.

"We eventually clawed ourselves back into the game and we've had some very good chances. Alan Shearer had an effort which brushed the post and Patrick (Kluivert) has had a couple of good chances.

"Their first goal was disappointing from our point of view you because you never usually get that much room in the box.

"But we got back into it at 1-1 and Wayne Rooney has done very well to get a nudge on Andy O'Brien, and I'm not so sure it was a penalty when Shay Given collided with Paul Scholes. This happens when the ball is not rolling for you.

"I think it was harsh on us because we have played some good football and there has been plenty effort and commitment from my players, yet we have got nothing from the game.''

He admitted: "Defensively we are short I know and we will be addressing that sooner rather than later, but in terms of the football we're playing we should be getting more than we're getting at this moment in time.

"We have to keep believing and trying to play our football. We have to remain focused and confident and stick together.

"They got a penalty and enjoyed a bit of luck with the decision which won them the game."

The Newcastle boss was full of praise for striker Alan Shearer following the game after his skipper turned in arguably his best performance of the season.

He said: "Alan played well and if you ask any centre half they will tell you they don't like playing against Alan Shearer.

"They haven't done for 15 years and why shouldn't it change. He took a wonderful goal and could have had another."

With the game poised at 2-1, home supporters could feel disappointed the team had not clawed itself back into the game when Ronnie Johnsen managed to steer the ball home from close range before the visitors scored their third.

The referee disallowed the strike, however, for a Shearer foul.

Souness felt it must have been the correct decision, given the lack of protest from his players.

He said: "You look for the reaction in your players and we did not put up too much opposition to the decision which tells me it must have been a foul.

"It is difficult when you lose games and our football has been good enough to win games. Our last three home games have been lost but we could have easily have won them. We can't panic and you have to remain focussed and determined.''

Shearer was fuming at Mike Dean's decision to award Sir Alex Ferguson's side a 74th minute penalty.

A clearly angry captain said: "We are all bitterly disappointed.

"It was a bad decision and at 1-1 they were rocking. A decision like that completely changes the game. I don't think we would have got a decision like that down at Old Trafford - in fact I know we wouldn't.

"It's a bad result but we're not panicking. There won't be anyone panicking within the club."

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