Alan Pardew: win would settle Newcastle fans' frustrations

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says a win is needed to help settle fans' frustrations after defeat at Stoke extended their losing run to four.

Erik Pieters scored the game's only goal to give Stoke a win that moves them to within three points of ninth-place Newcastle.

A banner calling for Pardew to go was displayed before and after the defeat.

"I think their frustration boiled over a little bit and we need to settle it down," said Pardew.

"The way to settle it down is to get a win, unfortunately it hasn't come today."

Some Newcastle fans displayed a banner criticising manager Alan Pardew as their side lost 1-0 to Stoke.

Newcastle's main concern lies in scoring goals, with Pardew's side having now failed to find the net in five of their last six games.

That has coincided with the absence of 13-goal top scorer Loic Remy with a calf injury. The on-loan QPR striker was expected to return for the trip to Stoke but was unavailable again.

"It was close today," Pardew added. "I thought we had good character in the group.

"It was an honest performance but we lacked creative flair, and we lack a little bit of ability in and around the box.

"Loic's return, which I think will happen next week, will be important to us."