Paris Saint-Germain boss makes controversial Newcastle United scoreline claim after 4-1 defeat

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique admits Newcastle United deserved their victory in last night’s Champions League fixture - but believes the 4-1 scoreline wasn’t a fair reflection on the game.

After playing out a goalless draw with AC Milan in their European opener, Eddie Howe’s Magpies moved top of Group F after stunning the French champions.

Miguel Almiron fired United into a 17th-minute lead before Dan Burn added a second near the brink of half-time. Sean Longstaff then added a third after the break but PSG swiftly pulled a goal back via Lucas Hernandez.

The visitors dominated possession from then on but Newcastle’s defence held strong as Fabian Schar put gloss on a memorable night with an incredible strike from 25 yards.

The Ligue 1 club departed the North East of England well beaten but Enrique contested the scoreline.

“Yeah, absolutely no doubt about that. I am responsible for what happened this evening,” said the former Barcelona boss.

“I think the outcome of the game was fair, although the scoreline was perhaps too much in their favour. Not really a fair reflection.

“I think my players struggled a bit with their pressing game. They did everything I asked them to do except probably the final third when we didn’t quite do what we wanted to do.

“I thought the attitude was good but of course, we made some careless mistakes which led to their goals. Playing at this level you can’t afford to do that.”

Enrique added: “Newcastle were the better team, they definitely deserved to win.

“The margin of victory was perhaps a little wider than what was fair. I don’t think the result really reflected the differences between the teams, despite the fact they deserved to win. I’ll hold my hands up to that.”

Newcastle sit top of the group with four points and PSG are in second on three points. Howe’s men next host Borussia Dortmund, who drew against AC Milan yesterday, at St James’ Park.