Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew admits he's in the middle of his toughest time on Tyneside after defeat at Southampton.
The Magpies boss will reach his two-year anniversary at St James' Park next month.
When asked if this was his most difficult period in the hotseat, he told the Evening Chronicle: "For sure - there's no doubt about that. We're really having to fight. When we conceded the goal, we showed a little bit of spirit but it was too little, too late.
"We could have had an equaliser at a crucial time with Vurnon Anita. Their goalie made a great save from Davide Santon.
"But it was too little, too late, really."