JAAP Stam has put a positive spin on last night's 4-1 defeat at Newcastle United by claiming Reading FC 'were the better team'.

Royals were level at the break after Garath McCleary's penalty cancelled out Isaac Hayden's open.

But a controversial Matt Ritchie spot-kick early in the second half put Magpies back in front before a brace from ex-Royals target Dwight Gayle added gloss to the scoreline.

It was Newcastle's first win of the Championship season under Rafa Benitez, while Royals have now suffered back-to-back defeats on their travels, shipping six goals in the process.

However, Stam argued last night's scoreline was not a true reflection of his side's performance at St James' Park.

“If you look at the overall game we were the better team,” insisted the 44-year-old Dutchman.

“We conceded goals because of stupid fouls and from set plays and I told the guys they need to work on that.

“If you keep conceding goals like that you make it very hard for yourselves.

“But if you look at our style of play, we can be very proud of the guys because we had a lot of possession and created many chances.

“We are very happy with that. If we keep playing like that we will win a a lot of games.

“I'm sure everyone in Newcastle will say they were the better team, but they weren't.”

Stam's men were well in the game at the interval and were unfortunate to concede a penalty four minutes after the restart when Chris Gunter collided with Hayden in a crowded box as a cross came in from the left.

It looked an accidental collision, but referee Andrew Madley pointed to the spot and Ritchie converted for a 2-1 lead before Gayle added two more in the last quarter of the game.

And Stam questioned Madley's penalty decision, saying: “There was a clash, both players fell over and he gave a penalty.

“He could have given us a penalty too but he didn't, I though the referee had a bad day.”

Reading will welcome a return to Madejski Stadium this Saturday when they take on Brighton (3pm), having beaten Preston 1-0 at home on the opening day of the Championship season.

Stam added: “It's good to have a lot of games in one way, especially if you lose because you have a chance to put it right.

“We will be trying our best to win against Brighton on Saturday.

“I'm learning every week, you always need to learn whether you're a player or a manager.

“We know where we need to improve and that we need to stop conceding goals from set plays.

“We need to be sharper in that area and we will be working hard on it.”

Meanwhile, Reading have completed their ninth summer signing with the capture of Leichtenstein midfielder Sandro Wieser.

The 23-year-old free agent has penned a three-year deal at Madejski Stadium.