Crystal Palace v Newcastle: We’re so glad Pardew left the Geordie shore, says McArthur

Pard times: The Crystal Palace manager has been a big success
(Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Giuseppe Muro27 November 2015

Alan Pardew faces Newcastle United tomorrow with his former club in crisis.

Pardew had a fractious relationship with supporters during his spell on Tyneside but it is hard to argue that things have improved since he left to join Crystal Palace.

Newcastle are just outside the relegation zone and his replacement, Steve McClaren, is under increasing pressure following reports of a

bust-up with some of his players.

Pardew might not have been appreciated in the North East but he has found his home at Palace, a team he has taken from battling relegation to one challenging for Europe in under a year.

“He has been brilliant for us,” said Palace midfielder James McArthur ahead of the game at Selhurst Park. “He is a massive reason why we are doing well this season.

“If you look at Newcastle, they obviously struggled a bit to cope with losing him and we have kicked right on. The run they have been on recently shows how important it was last season when he left. He did it at Newcastle and he is doing a good job here.”

Some Newcastle supporters started a “Sack Pardew” campaign but their side have won just five Premier League games in 11 months since he joined Palace.

“Expectations up there are obviously a lot higher but he did a fantastic job getting fifth place with them,” said McArthur. “That is some achievement.

“Newcastle have obviously not started the season as well as they would have hoped but we know they have good players.”

Palace lost 1-0 against Sunderland at Selhurst Park on Monday night and are desperate to improve a home record of two wins in seven matches this season.

McArthur added: “We want to finish as high up the table as we can and if we want to do that, we need to be taking points at home.”

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