London: An early Peter Crouch goal gave Stoke City a 1-0 home win against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday to pile more pressure on beleaguered Toon boss Alan Pardew.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley had played down comments he made last week that Pardew would have to go if he lost at Stoke, but the home fans still tormented the manager, with chants of “sacked in the morning” ringing out at the Britannia Stadium.
Towering striker Crouch rose highest to nod Victor Moses’ cross into the top corner of the visitors’ goal and give Stoke the lead after 15 minutes.
Pardew’s team rarely offered any encouragement to their manager but looked liked they might snatch a draw six minutes from time when the ball dropped to midfielder Jack Colback in front of the Stoke goal. But he squandered the chance, firing against the bar in an inexplicable miss that typified Newcastle’s miserable start to the season.
They are second from bottom in the league table with three points and without a win from their opening six games.
“I think we’ll have some serious conversations before Saturday because he [Ashley] doesn’t want to lose and neither do I,” Pardew told Sky Sports.
“I’m here to lead the team. I’ve never really been in this situation before but I’m a football manager, that’s what I do and will continue to do.
“It’s slight margins in the game but another defeat. We can’t keep getting beat and we’ll have to address that.”
Pardew is the league’s second longest-serving current manager but there was no respite from the criticism on Monday, with the visiting fans most vocal while displaying banners calling for him to be fired.
The victory was Stoke’s first home win this season and moved Mark Hughes’ side six places up to 11th on eight points.
“We deserved the win on balance of play. In terms of chances created, we always looked a threat when we broke quickly with pace,” Hughes told BBC radio.
“I wish Alan Pardew well. It’s not easy, I’ve been in that situation. All you can do is work hard and he will be working with his staff to turn things around.”
