Premier League: Gameweek 2 - Talking points

Alan Pardew might have bitten more than he can chew

Alan Pardew of Newcastle United

Whilst Newcastle were never expected to get the better of Manchester City, the manner of their opening week defeat left Pardew with a lot to ponder about. This weekend, Pardew would have hoped for the perfect tonic, but a nervy 0-0 draw against West Ham would have been the last thing that he would have wanted.

Newcastle’s best player on the park, was left-back Davide Santon and that says a lot about them. Whilst they looked better in defense after their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of City, they still don’t look like the side of a couple of years. Alan Pardew’s side have forgotten how to win at home and have resorted to too many aimless long balls and couldn’t find a way through the Hammer defense. And as Yoan Gouffran’s missed a stoppage-time sitter, Pardew knew that he will have a lot of work to do, if Newcastle are to get over their horror show from last year.