Source: Daily_Mail
Premier League points all that matters to Jose Enrique
Newcastle defender Jose Enrique will take Barclays Premier League survival however it comes. [LNB]The Magpies eased themselves back into the top half of the table as a result of Sunday's hard-fought 1-1 draw with champions Chelsea, who slipped from the top of the pile at the end of a round of fixtures for the first time this season. [LNB]Chris Hughton's men had to scrap their way to the final whistle as the visitors came from behind to snatch a point and threaten to take all three, but full-back Enrique insists that as long as Newcastle edge themselves over the finishing line, he does not care whether they do so playing flowing football or grinding out results. [LNB] Staying alive: Enrique (right) is focused on keeping Newcastle in the top flight[LNB]The 24-year-old Spaniard said: 'We are in a good position, but the most important thing is to stay in this division. If we can get into a better position, that's good, but the most important thing is to stay in the division - and if we continue in the same way, we can do it.[LNB] 'When we play against the big teams, we have to drop back a little bit. I know it is uglier football, but if we get the results when we play like that, we will have to play like that in every game.'[LNB] Newcastle have endured a mixed start to the season, particularly at home, where they have won only twice in eight attempts in the league, a 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa and an even more impressive 5-1 rout of derby rivals Sunderland. [LNB]But Blackpool, Stoke and Blackburn have all left St James' Park with the points and Wigan and Fulham with draws. [LNB]However, a point taken from Chelsea, even for a side which has now not won in four attempts, is a good result for any team and there was warm applause from the home fans among a crowd of 46,469 on the final whistle. [LNB]In truth, the Magpies had to defend for dear life for long periods, particularly after the break, but having seen their sixth-minute lead cancelled out, they stubbornly refused to succumb. [LNB]That achievement is all the more impressive because of the fact that Hughton was without five members of what has been his strongest starting line-up to date this season - Steve Harper, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Joey Barton and skipper Kevin Nolan - and had little choice but to hand first starts of the campaign to central defenders Sol Campbell and Steven Taylor. [LNB] Solid: Veteran Campbell was at the heart of the defence against Chelsea[LNB]However, he need not have worried as 36-year Campbell and contract rebel Taylor coped admirably with the threat of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka to give their side a platform. [LNB]The home side could hardly have got off to a better start when Brazilian defender Alex carelessly poked a backpass past keeper Petr Cech to allow Andy Carroll to run in and claim his ninth goal of the season from close range. [LNB]It took Chelsea until first-half injury time to level when Salomon Kalou's shot was deflected past keeper Tim Krul. [LNB]The Ivory Coast international passed up a glorious opportunity to snatch victory 10 minutes from time when he shot into the side-netting with the goal at his mercy, but Ashley Cole had earlier headed Wayne Routledge's goal-bound volley off the line. [LNB]Enrique, who was in the team beaten 5-1 at Bolton last Saturday, said: 'It was really important, of course for the point, but also for our confidence. [LNB]'We know we can beat any team, but we can also lose to anyone - this league is a little bit crazy. [LNB]'I know we were playing at home, but we were playing against Chelsea. [LNB]'They needed the points and they came here to win the three points, but we got a draw and that was really good.'[LNB] Nolan, who missed out with a persistent ankle injury, is due to have an injection to address the problem and will miss next weekend's trip to West Bromwich Albion, although Hughton will be boosted by Barton's return from suspension. [LNB] Newcastle 1 Chelsea 1: Kalou makes up for blunder but champs still shortNewcastle boss Hughton praises ever-improving No 9 CarrollChelsea striker Drogba tips Tiote to become a future Premier League star at Newcastle NEWCASTLE UNITED FC
