Pardew's Squad Provides All The Answers

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Alan Pardew was delighted to see his Newcastle United side answer their critics on Saturday afternoon, as the Magpies came from behind to beat Chelsea at St. James' Park.

Although Jonas Gutierrez headed the hosts in front, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata put Chelsea firmly in the driving seat midway through the second half.

However, a Moussa Sissoko brace earned three vital points for United and Pardew was full of praise for the performance and fighting spirit of his new-look squad.

"We came up against their best team today - Ivanovic at right-back, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Oscar," he told nufcTV following the final whistle.

"But we wouldn't let them settle and that was the message. You can't let the big teams settle.

"We did that at Manchester United and Arsenal this year but didn't have the power or pace to see it through. Today we did.

"We were always a threat, even when they had their great 20-minute period after half-time.

"When you concede two great goals like we did today, normally that knocks the stuffing out of you and you go down. But we answered another question today about French players not having fight. We answered that today.

"We stuck in there, ground it out, got another goal and were back in there. Then an unbelievable last goal really took the roof off this place."

United had only won four home games in the Premier League this season before Saturday's victory, but Pardew believes their fifth was one which will be talked about for years to come.

"That is a fabulous victory and I'm pleased for the fans who have travelled, worked and spent their money on seeing a special game," he said, of the sold-out game.

"If we do nothing else this season, that will be one to look back on and stay in the memory for a long, long time."

To watch the full post-match nufcTV interview with Alan Pardew, click here.