Alan Pardew’s record since he took over at Crystal Palace last month is impressive – four wins in five games, with the only defeat a slightly unfortunate home reverse against Everton in which they conceded the lone goal of the game after only two minutes.
It is a run of form that has lifted the club to 13th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone and, realistically, four more wins would be enough to ensure survival.
When he took the job to replace the fired Neil Warnock, one fixture stood out above others – Wednesday night’s home game against the Newcastle United side he left to move to Palace, and who have slipped once again into mediocrity.
Not only would Pardew, no doubt, love to beat the club where he endured such a difficult relationship with both the board and the fans during his time there, but a win would lift Palace to within two points of Newcastle, who have won just one of six games under John Carver.
Given Newcastle led Palace by 13 points when Pardew took over, it would be some statement of his abilities if he were to lead his new side to finish the season above his former club.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us at our new home on Twitter @NatSportUAE