Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was left bemoaning his side's consistency after Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Hull City at St. James' Park. The result came on the back of the Toon's win at Aston Villa last weekend, but a lack of concentration cost United dear against Steve Bruce's men. And after shipping three goals for the third time in six Premier League home games, Pardew was left to rue his team's defending as City notched their first away victory of the season. "We started really well and got the goal," said the Magpies boss, "but we weren't tight enough as a team and Hull exploited those spaces. "All three of their goals were poor from our point of view. We've defended really, really well over the last few weeks, but it's consistency in our performances that this team is searching for. "You can see similarities in this team to the one that finished fifth, but that team had a consistency about it as team not as individuals. "Today, the formation was the same (as it was against Aston Villa), the set-up was the same but we didn't look the same. "We looked too loose and gifted them their goals. You can't do that against any opposition and I'll be first to pay tribute to Hull, because they played very well. "But for us it was a really disappointing day. You've got to do it home and away in this division." One player that was singled out for praise by Pardew was Loic Remy, who scored a brace in the first-half. The on-loan forward looked a constant threat to City's backline and his manager was quick to sing his praises following his first goals in a black and white shirt. "Remy got a couple of good goals and he had a fantastic chance for a third, but unfortunately it came at him so quickly. "But his performance was one of the rare highlights from today. "We need the commitment and the quality that we showed at Villa in every game. Our passing wasn't as great as it has been in the last two or three games and we had a day at the office that we have to forget quickly and move on from."
Former matchday programme editor at my hometown club, Newcastle United, and a lifelong fan. Fully qualified journalist and experienced freelance writer with a passion for European football, particularly England and Spain. Have interviewed some of the biggest names in the game and work has appeared both locally and nationally in print, online and on air.
Attended my first Newcastle game in 1980, and my heroes include Sir Bobby Robson, Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan - all of whom I've been lucky enough to interview and work alongside over the years.
Follow me on Twitter: @dansheridan
