Alan Pardew thanked the Newcastle board for their investment in new players following his side’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa.

The Magpies have brought in five new faces this month, after a disappointing start to the season left them perilously close to the relegation zone.

Mathieu Debuchy, Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran all started against the Villains, whilst Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa came on as a substitute.

They all contributed to an important victory, and Pardew paid special thanks to the club’s hierarchy after the game:

"There has been a lot of work and effort to get that win, not just from the staff and the players, but the directors and (Newcastle managing director) Derek Llambias.” He told Sky Sports.

"Sissoko was magnificent in the first half. He is going to be a powerful player in the Premier League.

"Sissoko made a difference today with his power and control, and he helped Papiss, who has been a bit isolated, especially since Demba (Ba) left.

"I have always had my eye on him. That's a nice little aperitif that he showed tonight."

Papiss Cisse gave the visitors the lead after 19 minutes, before midfielder Yohan Cabaye doubled their advantage with a fine half-volley.

Villa pulled one back in the second-half through Christian Benteke, but Newcastle held firm to secure a vital win.

Pardew was happy with his side’s display throughout the game:

"In the first half we were magnificent," Pardew added. "We would have given anyone a game with that performance. We played as well as we have played all year.

"In the second half, we had to show another side to our game - to battle, to fight - and everybody played their part.

Despite the result, Pardew feels that his side are some way from being out of relegation danger:

“It was our day today. It is by far not over for us. We have got 14 cup finals to come, but it's a start."

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