Alan Pardew unfazed despite first defeat for Newcastle
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew remains upbeat after his players succumb to their first defeat of the Premier League season with a 3-1 loss at Manchester City, external.
A late consolation goal from Dan Gosling was not enough to save Newcastle after penalties from Mario Balotelli and Sergio Aguero and a calm finish from Micah Richards had earned the hosts a comfortable lead.
But Pardew says Roberto Mancini's side was the strongest opposition Newcastle has faced all season and is heartened by the imminent return from injury of key players.