Matt Ritchie has offered a damning reaction to Newcastle United's poor late season form after the Magpies slipped to a third consecutive defeat on Wednesday night against Tottenham Hotspur.
In the space of a fortnight, Newcastle have faltered badly after picking up just one point and conceding a dozen goals in the four matches since the 4-1 victory at Bournemouth.
That night, both a top-10 finish and an outside shot at the Europa League place as still on the table as it put Steve Bruce's side just four points behind seventh place.
But Newcastle will be lucky not to finish 14th now unless they can pick things up and beat Brighton before a tough final clash at home to Liverpool.
Despite a spirited display, much like the first half at Watford on Saturday before another late collapse, Newcastle created chances and looked good offensively against Spurs only for some serious lapses in concentration to cost them dear.
Ritchie said: "It's probably a kick up the **** really.
"Going into next season, if you aren't at it, and you do leave yourself that little bit open in this league you get punished.
"It's all good playing well but this game is about results.
"Goals win games and we have conceded three and only scored one, it's not the result we're hoping for.
"But there were positives to take from it."
Ritchie scored his second goal of the season but admitted it's been a frustrating campaign for him.
He was the victim of a shocking foul from Hamza Choudhury in the League Cup clash against Leicester 11 months ago and did not fully recover until January.
Ritchie, speaking to the club's TV channel, said: "It was a good strike and I am pleased with it.
"But at the end of the day, it counted for nothing and it has been a frustrating season for me personally.
"I've only really played five or six times on the wing but I played in a position I really enjoyed last season.
"It's pleasing to score a goal but when it doesn't count it's no use."
Ritchie's annoyance at the manner of the 3-1 defeat to Spurs was clear to see and he has now called for a big response in the final two games of the season.
United travel to Brighton for their last away game of the season at the Amex Stadium on Monday before wrapping up with a home clash against Liverpool at St James' Park.
Ritchie added: "We go into every game trying to win it.
"Especially in the position we're in, 13th/14th - we have to continue to try to win games to move closer to the top 10.
"We need to win that game at Brighton and then set up what is a fantastic game against Liverpool.
"We have two games left and they're big ones."
The Magpies are currently two points behind last season's tally of 45 and need a win in either game to show some year on year progress in the top-flight.
