Newcastle boss Alan Pardew hailed Papiss Cisse as the difference-maker after his two goals were enough to win at Swansea on Friday.
We sacrificed possession at Swansea, says Toon boss
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew hailed Papiss Cisse as the difference-maker after his two goals were enough to win at Swansea on Friday.
Pardew's men were forced to hang in there for long periods as Swansea dominated possession but Cisse's expert finishes helped Newcastle to a 2-0 win that moves them within two points of the UEFA Champions League spots.
And Pardew was delighted with the Senegal international.
"He was our best player today." Pardew told
Sky Sports. "Of all our flair players he looked the one that was really on it.
"He's got fantastic pedigree though. This is a boy that's scored goals in the Bundesliga, he's not a mystery.
"He was the difference between the sides."
Lacking energy
Newcastle rarely threatened beyond Cisse's strikes but were content to contain Swansea with a workmanlike display without the ball.
"We were flat," added Pardew. "Some of our flair players looked like they needed energy. Maybe the early goal affected us.
"We sacrificed possession today. We know the way they play at home is superb with some of their movement. You've got to be patient.
"But we knew if we could win it back in certain areas they'd be vulnerable."
The win leaves Newcastle within striking distance of a Champions League place but Pardew was keen to downplay ambitions.
He added: "That was the away win we needed and our home games now can see us through to 5th or 6th."
