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Krul, Calm And Collected
Written by Newcastle Utd
Tim Krul hails United's character after they came from behind for the first time to extend their unbeaten run at Aston Villa
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Aston Villa became the first Barclays Premier League team to take the lead against Newcastle this season, but the Magpies showed that they can come from behind as they gained a 1-1 draw.
And goalkeeper Tim Krul - beaten for only the second time in the league this season when Gabriel Agbonlahor slotted past him on 13 minutes at the weekend - believes that is another example of United's togetherness and character.
Leon Best levelled in the second half and Alan Pardew's side created enough chances to win the game against a Villa side who, like Newcastle, remain unbeaten so far in 2011/12.
And Dutch international Krul told nufc.co.uk: "We've got a fantastic spirit and everybody knows that. We've shown it again and again.
"We came in at half-time 1-0 down but the feeling was that we could go out and beat them. It's a great thing to play in a team like that."
It is now nine games since United last tasted defeat - a 3-0 loss at Liverpool on May 1 - and Krul says there is now a "winning mentality" at St. James' Park.
"It's a massive boost to the confidence," he said. "The feeling in the changing room is that we don't have to be afraid of anybody.
"We showed that on Saturday. We absolutely outplayed Villa and we were outstanding. The manager gave us a target in terms of how he wanted us to play and I think we reached it - we played them off the park."
Next up is Tuesday night's Carling Cup tie at Nottingham Forest, and although Krul is likely to be rested at the City Ground he hopes his team-mates can stretch their unbeaten run to ten matches.
"Like the last round at Scunthorpe, it would just keep the run going," he said.
"You don't want to get beat and the winning mentality has to stay with this team - because what a great feeling it is."