Comical Newcastle defending allows Victor Moses a chance to seal the points from close range but Tim Krul shows nerves of steel to save. The Magpies are just about hanging on.

Former Everton defender Phil Neville
BBC Radio 5 live

"Newcastle have started to get to the ball quicker and put more pressure on the Stoke back four. But can they keep up this high energy, because they have run a million miles in this game so far?"

Image source, PA

Alan Pardew sent Papiss Cisse on to get him a goal. Instead the Newcastle striker has picked up a yellow card for a clumsy foul on Charlie Adam. That's Adam's last involvement. He is replaced by former Newcastle loan signing Stephen Ireland.

Image source, Getty Images

Out comes the invisible spray as Mike Williamson concedes a free-kick after a blatant foul prevents Steven Nzonzi powering into the Newcastle area. From the set-piece, Charlie Adam tests Tim Krul from 25 yards.

'Sacked in the morning, you're getting sacked in the morning' rings out in Alan Pardew's direction. Not sure whether that's coming from Newcastle or Stoke fans!

Liam York:, external I'm not saying Pardew has a good start to the season. But what do you expect when he has no support except the 'Hopeless' signs

Joe Walkley:, external Newcastle still have the same manager that took them to fifth a few seasons back.. maybe it isn't the manager?

Stoke have scored, had a decent penalty shout turned down and hit the woodwork. And still Newcastle are not out of this.

It's niggly and scrappy out there. Free-kicks are being conceded all over the pitch. Frustration creeping into Newcastle's play as Alan Pardew prowls the touchline barking orders.

Image source, AFP

Former Everton defender Phil Neville
BBC Radio 5 live

"I think what Cisse will give Newcastle is he will make sure Stoke know they are in a game. He's physical and quick and Newcastle will be be able to concentrate their attacks through him."

Tim Seeds:, external Messi may not be able to do it but Peter Crouch certainly can score on a rainy night in Stoke.

Ben Johnson:, external Crouch scores yet another goal by pushing off a defender's shoulders. Always gets away with it because of his height.

That should have been game over.

Marko Arnautovic rattles a post with a first-time shot from 16 yards after the Newcastle defence fail to properly clear a free-kick. The Magpies survive.

We're back under way. The rain continues to fall but can Papiss Cisse repeat his two-goal heroics against Hull last week?

Image source, Getty Images

Tom Geoffrey, external: Don't be too hard on Newcastle, apparently Messi & Co couldn't hack at wet weeknight encounter at Stoke.

Matthew Harris:, external Newcastle fans place word "HOPELESS" in giant letters in front of their team throughout match, are surprised when they lose.

Michael Lee:, external Newcastle aren't actually looking that bad but still missing the final ball to the striker that we used to get from Cabaye

Here he is! Papiss Cisse is coming on for Newcastle at the start of the second half.

After Mike Ashley's reported comments about Alan Pardew's future, we're asking what is the worst thing your boss has said about you? Let us know on #bbcfootball, external on Twitter, 81111 on text (UK only), or via the BBC Sport Facebook page, external and Google+ pages., external

Andy via text: "If you don't iron your shirt properly tomorrow then I'm going to have to let you go..." (in a job that didn't involve customers!).

Chris McVeigh in Belfast via text: "You do know making the wrong pizzas on purpose and eating them is a sackable offence? I had no idea...."

Will we see Papiss Cisse at the start of the second half?

Plenty of shots from Newcastle. No end product...so far.

Jono Healy:, external Alan Pardew logic = leave the striker on the bench who has scored goals and has confidence from the last match.

Gary Timms:, external I have no sympathy for Stoke regards the penalty. Shawcross gives two or three away every corner, let alone game.

Nic Wirtz:, external What degree of sympathy for Pardew? Have you watched Newcastle for the past two plus seasons Neil?

Fortunately not Nic. That's me told...

Former Everton defender Phil Neville
BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a disastrous start for Newcastle but they are still in the game because they have quality up front. They have to stop Victor Moses because he is the key player in the game."

Image source, AFP