Former Newcastle United striker Peter Lovenkrands has slammed the players over the manner of defeat at Manchester City.

The Dane wrote in the Evening Chronicle: "Newcastle United's players didn't just let the fans and the club down against Manchester City - they let themselves down.

"Now they must put it right against Aston Villa in front of another big crowd.

"The performance of the Newcastle team against City was absolutely terrible.

"Yes, they are a good team and they play really well but the level of performance from a lot of players was just terrible.

"It was embarrassing to watch and the desire levels just weren't there."