Alan Pardew: “As a squad, we’ve discussed some of the goals we’ve conceded this year. We’ve been putting the ball at risk, and we did that again in that first period and it’s cost us two goals.
“After that, I thought the performance was really strong. We showed tremendous character.
"We could have let it affect us and laid down and stepped off them, and City would have torn us apart.
“But we stood toe to toe with them for the rest of the game and, with a bit of luck here and there, I thought we could have got a positive result.
"We had created pressure and we looked like we were going to score.
“Andy (Carroll) was a constant menace in the box. Every cross and delivery we put in there, you felt he was going to get something on it. It was just a case of whether it fell for us or threatened the target.
“The goal came at a decent time, and we had a decent chance at 2-1, Kevin Nolan just couldn’t get his toe to it.
"The disappointing factor was the first phase of the game, outside that, we played really well and showed a good commitment.
“The real positive from the team point of view was the amount of good balls we got into the box. It was probably even better than the Liverpool game.
“There were some great deliveries and Joey’s set plays were spot on. Andy was a constant menace and, if you put the ball in the right areas, there are not many centre-halves going to deal with him.
“In terms of his all-round game, I think he would admit there are areas for improvement.
"Outside of that though, he was fantastic and one of the big pluses for us. I would put Tiote in that as well.
“We’ve dropped too many points at home.
"Some of the opposition we’ve had, you would expect us to win, but I think most people would have come here against City hoping to win rather than expecting it.
“They are a very good side, but I’m disappointed we lost. On a technical level though, the first phase has cost us the game.”