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Pardew Plans To Finish On A High
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew insists his side will not take their foot off the gas in the final game of the season
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Alan Pardew insists his Newcastle United side will not take their foot off the gas in the final game of the Barclays Premier League season.
The Magpies entertain Arsenal on Sunday at St. James' Park, knowing their top flight status is secured for another year following a 2-1 win away at Queens Park Rangers.
In his post-match interview at Loftus Road, the manager joked with the press that he was unconcerned about the result of the Gunners' fixture.
But he has reiterated his desire to end the 2012/13 campaign on a winning note and atone for two recent disappointing home defeats.
"I know people will have picked up on my comments about not caring about the result against Arsenal, which were of course a joke," Pardew told nufc.co.uk.
"It is definitely not the case that I would be happy for us to lose 4-0 against Arsenal on Sunday. I simply want our players and fans to be able to enjoy the game without looking over their shoulders.
"Even though we are now safe we will be putting in the same effort that we would for any other Premier League game.
"Our last two results at St. James' Park - against Sunderland and Liverpool - have been nowhere near good enough, and Sunday gives us the chance to put that right.
"We want to end the season on a positive, to finish in as high a position as possible and to give the fans something to cheer about on the final day of what has been a frustrating season.
"Arsenal will be doing everything they can to try and achieve a Champions League spot and we won't make it easy for them, make no mistake about that.
"This is a game everyone at this football club wants to win."