McClaren: Benchmark has been set

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren is hoping his side can build on their impressive 2-2 draw against Chelsea in front of the home supporters on Saturday.

The Magpies were 11 minutes away from recording their first victory of the season following goals either side of the half-time break from Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum.

But the Blues rallied late on to score twice through Ramires and Willian to secure a share of the spoils and prevent a fourth defeat of the campaign.

McClaren was buoyed by the performance of his players on the day and admits they have now set the bar for the remainder of the season as the struggling Tynesiders look to turn their fortunes around.

"We were so close to a great win," he said in the post-match interview. "With five minutes to go at 2-2 you think we can still win it and lose it because the momentum had swung.

"In the end the result is a disappointment but the way we played and the way we responded after this week was excellent.

"We said to the players: 'End the week well with a performance and show what you can do.' We did that and to a man their attitude was magnificent.

"We've said it in the dressing room. That's the benchmark. That's the standard in terms of attitude and what you need to give the crowd.

"I'm pleased we didn't lose but I wish we would have won because the belief would have really risen. Inch-by-inch belief in that dressing needs to grow and that result will help.

"We've always said from day one be patient. We are changing a lot of things. We've had a lot of bad luck and some tough fixtures.

"It's been difficult but in the hard times you stick together and you get stronger. I hope we can go on from this standard."