By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Alan Pardew is determined to take the positives from a gruelling seven days in which his Newcastle United side have played three fixtures across the Continent.

The Magpies got their 2012/13 Premier League campaign off to a winning starting last weekend at home against Tottenham, before heading to Athens where they played out a 1-1 Europa League qualifying draw with Atromitos.

The week was concluded less than 48 hours at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge Stadium, ending in a 2-0 reversal at the hands of the Blues.

But despite the defeat, Pardew was pleased with United's points tally and that they appear well-placed to progress in Europe.

"With the two (Premier League) fixtures we had, if you'd have got two draws you would have been quite happy, and we got a point more than that so I'm very pleased," the boss told nufcTV.

"We had no Cheick (atChelsea), which affected us. Anita had to play a full game on Thursday and then a full game here, so that was tough on him. It's those sort of things that worry you as a manager - that there was a bit of fatigue in there.

"We were unlucky that there were other things going on in London and we couldn't get the Sunday fixture.

"We have to just accept that. We got beat here, but it's been a good week if I'm honest."

First half goals from Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres secured the win for Chelsea on Saturday evening, and while Pardew was disappointed with that he praised his troops for a much improved second-half showing.

Pardew said: "I thought we looked a bit lacklustre in the first half and a bit tired in one or two areas, and that gave Chelsea just a little but too much dominance.

"I was disappointed with the first goal - Torres made a complete meal of the challenge (for a penalfy)," said Pardew.

"The second goal was a great goal, but right before half-time we should have prevented it really.

"But in the second half, I have to pay credit to my players because they showed real character and diligence.

"It's tough to come here. They had already won two games, and then to be 2-0 down we had to show a lot of belief.

"If we'd have nicked a goal - and we should have around 75 or 80 minutes - then the face of the game would have changed.

"Overall, with the circumstance we had to play it under I think we did very well."

To watch the full interview with Alan Pardew, click here