Saturday 6 December 2014 20:15, UK
Alan Pardew saluted his Newcastle side's character and discipline after they inflicted a first Premier League defeat of the season on Chelsea with a 2-1 victory at St James' Park.
Chelsea had gone 21 games unbeaten in all competitions prior to the game, but second-half substitute Papiss Cisse scored twice in 25 minutes to secure three points for the Magpies.
A nervy finish ensued when Newcastle defender Steven Taylor was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 81st minute and Didier Drogba scored two minutes later - but the Magpies held on for their third successive league win at home over the Blues.
"That was about character and discipline against the best team in probably Europe at the moment," said Pardew.
"At the start of the game I felt we stood off them a little bit and (Eden) Hazard was getting a lot of joy but we stuck at it and we were always a threat on the break.
"We're absolutely delighted for our fans, delighted that we've given a little gee up to the Barclays Premier League because it now makes it a lot more interesting for everyone else. I'm sure Jose (Mourinho) won't agree with that, but it's been a great day for the Premier League."
The win came at some cost with goalkeeper Rob Elliot, who was deputising for the injured Tim Krul, now facing several weeks on the sidelines with a torn thigh muscle and skipper Fabricio Coloccini also struggling.
Elliot was replaced at the break by debutant ‘keeper Jak Alnwick and Pardew revealed after the game that the 21-year-old had been to his office earlier in the season to discuss his lack of opportunities.
The 53-year-old said: "Jak came to see me before Tim got injured and said that he was really disappointed in my management of him, that the club had let him down because we hadn't loaned him out - but we couldn't because he was our third-choice, so we couldn't put ourselves at risk.
"His contract was up at the end of the year and he felt he hadn't really been given an opportunity, and he has been proven right, so fair play to him.
"I said to Andy Woodman, our goalkeeping coach, you have to admire him because he isn't really in a position to bang the door down on me at this stage – I think we'd won four games on the trot. But fair play to him."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho complained after the game that the ballboys and fans had taken too long to return the ball when his side were seeking an equaliser.
But Pardew responded: "I know Jose has had a little moan-up about the ballboys and stuff like that. I think that is a bit harsh.
"The ballboys, there is no strategic comment to them and, if the ball goes into the stand at Newcastle with six minutes to go, it ain't coming back.
"There was a bit of confusion about a ball coming on and we are kicking it away but come on, but I don't think that is really where we are today.
"It was an unbelievable performance and an extra special victory."
