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Three And Easy For Magpies
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew talks penalties, boosting morale and a young United goalscorer following their 3-0 win over Wigan
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Alan Pardew was delighted with three goals and all three points as Newcastle United picked up a much-needed victory over Wigan Athletic at St. James' Park.
Demba Ba was on target twice in the first half before Gael Bigirimana put the result beyond any doubt after the break, as the Magpies secured a first win in six Premier League games.
Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa was dismissed in the build-up to Ba's first - a penalty - which made the task slightly easier, but Pardew was still proud of his team's endeavour.
"It's a big lift for our fans, my staff and my players," the manager told nufcTV.
"The pressure was building, we had a lot of criticism which I thought was unfair and we've had to accept that, and yet our fans were with us tonight from the off. We gave them something to shout about.
"We were all over Wigan, we wouldn't let them settle and we deserved to take the lead.
"Fortunately for us we got a break in that he (Figueroa) got sent off as well, and from that point I thought there was only one winner.
"I thought it was a penalty, I thought he had to go. I thought (Gary) Caldwell should have gone as well, and then they would have been in real trouble.
"They had a bit of disappointment and a bit of luck as well."
Pardew also had words of praise for goalscorer Gael Bigirimana, who netted a spectacular first goal for the Club since his summer switch from Coventry City.
The boss was delighted to see the teenager find the top corner from outside the box, but admitted that in an ideal world the talented midfielder would still be learning his trade in the second string.
"Bigi is 18 and has got a big future ahead of him," said Pardew.
"I don't think he's ready though and he shouldn't be playing in this team if I'm honest.
"He should be playing in our under 21 team, but we are in such a place that he gets an opportunity and you would like to think that he will take that.
"He did more than that - it was a fantastic goal and something he will treasure for the rest of his life."
To watch the full nufcTV post-match interview with Alan Pardew, click here.