Newcastle United manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew praised striker Demba Ba and his contribution after the 1-0 win against Norwich City last night.
The Magpies welcomed back former boss http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Hughton to the Sports Direct Arena yesterday as he returned to Tyneside for the first time since he was sacked.
Newcastle needed a win badly as they hosted the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Canaries-c38723, and the fans expected nothing less than three points at home. The club had managed a series of draws recently, and many were ruing their mixed start to the campaign.
So far, Newcastle have not enjoyed the form they demonstrated last season which enabled them to finish fifth in the league, falling short of a Champions League spot by just 1 point.
The Magpies took the lead in the first half courtesy of the in-form http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Demba-Ba-c10812, who finished off in style as he scored the only goal of the game. Newcastle had the opportunity to extend their lead just minutes before the half time as they were awarded a penalty.
Papiss Demba Cisse stepped up to take the kick, but failed to convert as he misfired over the bar.
Despite this setback, Newcastle held on and secured all three points. Alan Pardew was not thrilled with his side’s performance, but was content with the result. He praised Ba and highlighted his importance to the side.
Ba had reportedly been unhappy with his role with the club following the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park last week as he was left on the bench for the first half. His agent claimed the striker did not understand the manager’s decision not to start him for the
game.
Pardew has however dismissed all rumours and insists that he enjoys a good relationship with the Senegalese striker. Speaking to reporters, he said:
"There has just been so much nonsense written about it. His agent sent me an e-mail saying he was misquoted, and I actually believe him."
"There is no way that Demba can play every game this season. He is going to miss some other games - so will Shola [Ameobi] and so will Papiss [Cisse].”
"The best thing we can do is try to play the best players we have and get a win, and Demba led from start to finish today - not just his goal - in the dressing room, everything about him was top drawer."
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