Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was quick to play down talk of a Manager of the Month award after four wins out of four in November, but he did nominate his high-flying side for 'Team of the Month'. The Magpies boss guided United to a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at St. James' Park on Saturday a victory that saw the Geordies move up to fifth in the Premier League table. But rather than focussing on individual accolades, it was his squad that earned the 52-year-old's whose side won thanks to a wonder goal in the second-half from Frenchman Moussa Sissoko praise. He said:
"We've got the team of the month, there's no doubt about that. "Our players have been outstanding, and I don't know if they give out a trophy for team of the month, but that's what we should be. "We've got a strength-in-depth that we didn't have even when we finished fifth two years ago, but the fact that we're not playing in the Europa League and we're getting that extra work on the training ground is definitely showing. "I sensed before the game that the group is very strong. Everybody is fit and available and you can look around our dressing room and see quality, and quality that wasn't even involved today."
In an engrossing tie, Chris Brunt equalised for the Baggies after Yoan Gouffran's first-half opener his third goal in successive matches before Sissoko's stunner flew past Boaz Myhill and into the headlines. But the Baggies refused to lie down and pushed their hosts all the way, earning praise from Pardew for their strength and grittiness. He said:
"West Brom were very good today, and we had to show real resilience and strength of character to win. "It was won with the most exquisite of goals, and yet it papered over all the hard work that was on that pitch, not just by us but by West Brom as well. "I thought their back four were brilliant today, but they ended up on the losing side and that can happen."
The position of Pardew's men will depend on Man City's result against Swansea City the Citizens have a game in hand and will travel to The Hawthorns next week to face today's vanquished opposition. Meanwhile, The Toon will face off against Michael Laudrup's side in the same round of fixtures, hoping to continue their march up the league with their fifth successive win on the trot.
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
