Newcastle United manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew was delighted with his side’s fighting performance against local rivals Sunderland after the 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
The manager believes his side may have finally found their feet after the spirited derby display against Sunderland, especially after being a man down for the greater part of the game.
The Magpies had taken the lead at the start of the game through http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Demba-Ba-c10812 strike.
Newcastle looked in control up until midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote was sent off for a rash tackle in the opening 20 minutes. The player was given a red card by referee Martin Atkinson, and Newcastle had to play the rest of the game with 10 men.
Sunderland started pressing for the equalizer and enjoyed much more possession as the game progressed. They scored a goal in the 86th minute as a John O’Shea header deflected off Demba Ba’s head and went straight in goal, past a helpless Tim Krul.
Alan Pardew was nonetheless delighted and optimistic about his side’s performance, and was content with a point. The manager believes that his side were strong and defended solidly. Captain and defender Fabricio Coloccini was the man of the match as he put
in a solid and formidable performance at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.
Speaking about his side’s ‘gusty’ performance, Pardew said:
“What can I take from this game? I can’t take any negative at all, all I am taking is positives.”
“But we spoke in the dressing room about really kicking on now because we have had excuses. We haven’t really used them, but we have had injuries and suspensions and we have not really moaned about it.”
“But we had our full tape today and it showed. Now we have (Club) Brugge and West Brom and we have got to win those games, we have got to win them.”
Magpie goalkeeper Tim Krul was also delighted by the team’s solid defensive display, and claimed that he never felt threatened in the game. The player hailed the team’s mental strength and collective effort to manage a point against their most fierce rivals.
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