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Sissoko Reveals Half-Time Turnaround
Written by Newcastle Utd
Moussa Sissoko revealed some half-time home truths from Alan Pardew laid the foundations of United's victory at Tottenham
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Moussa Sissoko revealed some half-time home truths from manager Alan Pardew laid the foundations of Newcastle United's 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Trailing at the break, the Magpies roared out of the traps in the second period, netting twice in 13 minutes - their equaliser coming just six seconds after the restart.
And Sissoko told nufc.co.uk an angry Pardew demanded much more from his troops, including courage in possession, which they promptly produced with perfect results.
"The manager told us we had to try and play more, because the first half was not good enough," explained Sissoko, whose powerful run down the left started United's move for their winner.
"He wasn't angry - he didn't shout - but he wasn't happy either. He knew we could play better and so did we.
"We had to win more tackles, more headers and be braver when we had the ball.
"We did that. We scored straight away, which was good for our confidence, and then we went for another goal, which Ayoze scored."
Sissoko was part of the Newcastle side which won at White Hart Lane last season, but in the Frenchman's opinion, this year's triumph tops that of 11 months ago.
"Last year we won 1-0, today it was 2-1," the midfielder continued.
"They were very different games because we are now a different team. But in my opinion this win was better than last year's
"It is good because the start of the season has been hard - we lost or drew too many games.
"We stuck together though. We have worked very hard, every day, and now we are getting our rewards. We have great spirit in the dressing room and everyone wants to win games for the Club.
"Today, we played very well and it was a good win for the team, for the Club, for the fans, for everyone."
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