Alan Pardew: “I know what I’m doing”

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has told fans “I know what I am doing”
following his side’s shock 2-0 victory over Manchester City in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup fourth round tie.

The 53-year-old had been under some pressure following a disappointing opening few games to the season, but after dumping the League Cup holders out on home soil, he said: “This was a victory for our fans.

It’s important for us that we just keep this momentum going.

“I do know what I’m doing. I think I’ve had most of the scalps as Newcastle manager, maybe except Arsenal and I look forward to playing them next.”

Pardew’s men are now just two rounds away from a trip to Wembley in the League Cup. Before they can think about a place in the final, first they must beat Tottenham Hotspur in the next round.

The Premier League now takes centre stage for the Toon until that quarter-final in December, with the north-east outfit currently 14th in the table.

The Magpies will look to make it three wins on the bounce in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, as they host a Liverpool side who have made a stuttering start to the season. The St James’ Park outfit are 3.71 to claim the three points against Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Newcastle will be hoping that Ryan Taylor will be fit to play a part in the fixture against the Reds after he returned from a 26-month lay-off following a cruciate ligament injury in the game at the Etihad Stadium. The 30-year-old described his return as “a dream come true”.