Relieved Pardew puts Ashley in the picture

Newcastle 1 Leicester 0

Think Alan Pardew is a man in imminent danger of losing his job? Think again. He may boast a recent record deserving of being shown the door, but how many managers supposedly in such grave danger of the sack would dare to aim a cheeky dig at the man with the ultimate power to wield the axe? And, what’s more, to do so to his face.

Mike Ashley was an unexpected visitor to the home dressing room to pass on his congratulations in the wake of a first league win of the season that lifted Newcastle, who remain third bottom, to within a point of safety. Gabriel Obertan’s goal sealed a far from convincing victory, though given their predicament, a precious three points nevertheless.