Pardew Answers Shock Defeat At Brighton

29 January 2012 17:09
Alan Pardew, a runner-up in the FA Cup final as a player and a manager, saw a realistic chance for silverware blow up in his face.

He named his strongest available line-up with only skipper Fabricio Coloccini missing after he failed to recover from a groin injury.

But it was said that the trip to Tenerife last week for a "bonding session" in the bars and lap-dancing clubs of Las Americas left his players "drained". 

Alan Pardew: "We were unfortunate for the goal.

"He skipped past Danny (Simpson), who had just been booked, and then it was a deflection with the only shot they had of any threat.

"I felt the attitude and commitment was good but we didn't produce a moment.

"Besty had two good chances, and their keeper did well.

"Brighton are very good at pulling teams around and moving the ball, but they did not do that tonight, they dug in and nicked a goal on the break.

"That's credit to them, but we are scratching our heads at how we haven't come back with at least a draw." 

Source: FOOTYMAD