Pardew: We deserved more

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was frustrated his side could not capitalise on their midfield dominance in their 0-0 draw against Blackburn.

With Blackburn United’s bogey side in recent times – having lost their past six to Rovers – a point pre-match would have pleased Pardew.

But the Newcastle boss said their performance deserved more over their mid-table English Premier League rivals.

“We stood up to a Blackburn side who were determined to put a bad run behind them and we got a well-earned point today,” Pardew told Sky Sports.

“We’re just so disappointed we didn’t come away with something bigger than we got. Jose Enrique today was magnificent, probably the best player on the pitch.”

“But we just didn’t get a break – something to fall for us – and unfortunately we didn’t get the win which perhaps we deserved.”

Pardew credited his side’s defence with the result, with defender Mike Williamson coming in for particular praise. The 27-year-old copped a kick to the face and incurring a blood nose in separate incidents.

“We’ve been strong defensively since I’ve been at the club and I’ve worked really hard on that. So that first half against Arsenal (when they leaked four goals) was a freak for us,” Pardew said.

“(Mike) Williamson, in particular, has stepped up to the Premier League this year and proved what a great signing he is and he did well today.”

Blackburn boss Steve Kean was also full of praise for his back four for maintaining a clean sheet.

“We really need to get a foundation of a clean sheet, we set that as the first target today. We thought we’d get more attempts on goal, but it was just one of those days,” Kean told Sky Sports.

“In the last three games we’ve been getting double-figure shots on goal but today it wasn’t our day and we will have to respect a point.”

“I felt we were edgy from the first minute and a little bit frantic. We rushed our passes and never got started. We never got any rhythm into our play.”