Fabricio Coloccini knows Newcastle must markedly improve if they are to enjoy as successful a season as last term. The Toon drew 1-1 at home with Aston Villa on Sunday.
"We lost two points because we were at home, and when we are at our stadium then we have to take three points, especially against teams like Aston Villa," said the Newcastle skipper.
"We will take a point and maybe at the end of the season it will prove to be a very important point. It could be a nice point for us.
"Hatem's goal was great - that is what happens when you have good players like that because in one moment he can change the game. We should have maybe gone on to win, but this happens in football.
"It is not about the players, however, it is about the team and we have to improve. If we want to have as good a season as last year then we have to get much better.
"We have got some tough games and months ahead of us and it is important that we get back to where we know we can be."
