Newcastle 0 Man City 2: We must win at Everton, says Pardew

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes the Magpies still have an outside chance of finishing in the top four

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By TSR staff Sunday 6 May 2012, 19:45 UK

Alan Pardew believes Newcastle United still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League despite losing 2-0 to Manchester City at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Yaya Touré scored twice in the second half to complete a narrow City victory after Newcastle had frustrated the league leaders for 70 minutes.

Pardew’s side trail third-placed Arsenal by two points and Tottenham Hotspur occupy the final Champions League spot, with the Magpies travelling to Everton next weekend.

But the Newcastle manager insisted the pressure is off his side with Arsenal and Spurs needing to beat West Bromich Albion and Fulham respectively to cement their spots.

“It’s simple for us, if we don’t win our game we can’t make it anyway,” Pardew told Sky Sports.

“The other two have nervy games. Arsenal are at West Brom and Tottenham are at home to Fulham needing to beat them in case we win.

“They will all be looking at us and we just have to win and see what happens.

“If someone had said to me at the start of the season that we would go to Everton looking for a Champions League place I would have laughed at them.

“But we have had a great season. I am proud of the players, even their performance today. Our fans we brilliant to us at the end – it’s not often you lose 2-0 at home and the stadium stays behind to clap you off.

“It is just nice to see Newcastle United getting respect again. This is a club bathed in history and tradition and when it’s not at the top of the division it is not right.

“They are where they are, they belong there. It is my job to make sure we stay there. It’s not easy, but we will give it another good go in the summer and hopefully we will be stronger next year.”