Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has said that his side deserved at least a point in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at St James' Park this afternoon.

Olivier Giroud's second-half header proved enough for the Gunners to reclaim their position at the top of the Premier League table, but Pardew claims that the Magpies' effort did not merit a loss.

He told reporters: "We certainly didn't deserve to get beat but a mistake cost us at a set play, and we then had some moments at the end but we have come out with our confidence renewed even though we have lost."

United travel to the West Midlands for a clash with West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day.