Newcastle vs Liverpool: Alan Pardew earns his night on the Toon

Newcastle manager can relax as last victory over Liverpool caps remarkable club revival

Alan Pardew celebrates as Newcastle go ahead against Liverpool (Getty Images)

Alan Pardew aimed to celebrate with a night out in Newcastle after a fourth successive victory took his side into the top 10 of the Premier League.

The Newcastle manager, under pressure when his side slipped to the bottom of the Premier League, saw them beat Liverpool 1-0 with a goal from Ayoze Perez. Pardew said: “It will be fantastic in the town tonight. I might even go in myself – the first time for a while.

“That is what this city is about. It loves football. When it does not go well they let you know and when it is going well, they let you know. You take the good with the bad.

“We have had a long four years, we have had some success. Some success got forgotten but I have always enjoyed it here. I love the city. I would like to think I am coming out of this a better manager. It has been interesting and educational. It tests you, this football club.

“Bobby Robson had some dark days here, don’t worry about that. If you are Newcastle manager, it is not all gin and tonics and aperitifs. There will be rough days. I always knew that we have good spirit. I am not saying I saw the wins coming, but I knew there was talent.”

Newcastle fans had turned on the manager earlier in the season but one of them donned a Grim Reaper outfit and held a banner proclaiming, “Alan Pardew – Back from the Dead.” The win over Liverpool was the club’s third in a week and justifies owner Mike Ashley’s decision to stick by Pardew.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said his side did not deserve to be beaten and midfielder Moussa Sissoko should have been sent off for a foul on Joe Allen. He said: “Sissoko’s challenge should have been a sending-off. He looks a big, honest player, but he’s running back and jumps in and Allen was lucky; if his foot was planted, it could have been a horrendous challenge.”