Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort has admitted holding crisis talks with Sam Allardyce and stressed that one improved display against Arsenal cannot gloss over a poor run of form.

Mort, who acts for owner Mike Ashley, is determined that The Magpies keep up the sort of spirited performance that ensured Arsenal did not extend their winning run on Wednesday.

"Sam and I met and we knew we had to put things right," explained Mort. "We were both very keen to go out and do well against Arsenal.

"It might not have happened last night but we knew that eventually it would turn round. We know it will turn eventually.

"But we were never going to isolate things on one game or say a time when we would do something. We did exactly what we had to do and got in amongst them.

"We performed in a way that is incredibly satisfying for everybody connected with Newcastle. The fans would have gone home happy and we are all thrilled with the performance.

"The fans were perfect but that didn't surprise me. We went 1-0 down and they absolutely supported their team. As we have said throughout, the Newcastle fans can have a massive influence.

"The result could have been even better. If anybody was going to win the game, it was us. There were a series of corners at the end when it looked like we might get the winner."

However, Mort was quick to point out that one swallow does not make a summer.

"It would be wrong to judge the team on one fixture," he asserted. "I'm not going to ignore the fact we had some bad results.

"But the team is going to need time to get things right and we are going to give them time. We will get it right eventually.

"This was evidence we are heading in the right direction.

"We began the season with the best start we've had in 10 years or so. We then had five games where we got one point.

"Then we played the top-of-the-table team and deserved to beat them."