Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that he is proud of his team's efforts during their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

The Magpies found themselves 2-0 down at half time, but they improved significantly after the break and Pardew was impressed with what he saw.

He said: "Their best players played well today and were the difference, up front they were a real handful on another day it could have been our game. Papiss [Cisse] had a good chance and if we take that it it's a different game.

"I was really proud of my players - second half we came out with great intent. When you play against a team as good as Manchester City you need the big moments to come off for you and they didn't, which is the way our season is going.

"You're always going to have problems against Manchester City, they played some great stuff today."

Newcastle have lost six of their last eight matches in all competitions.