Alan Pardew: Tottenham Hotspur defeat "unfortunate"

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has insisted that his side were hard done by in last night's heavy defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies' hopes of progression to the semi-finals of the League Cup came unstuck at White Hart Lane in a 4-0 reverse.

Nabil Bentaleb capitalised on some slack goalkeeping from Jak Alnwick to put Spurs ahead, before second-half strikes from Nacer Chadli, Harry Kane and substitute Roberto Soldado condemned the Magpies to a heavy loss.

Following the game, Pardew told BBC Sport: "Our back four was not quite as solid as it has looked, but if there was ever that cliche that goals win games, then this is it.

"Actually, I thought it was pretty even up to Jak Alnwick making a mistake. Our performance level was pretty good but the score is what it is. That's unfortunate for the players who put a shift in."

Newcastle return to action on Sunday afternoon when they face bitter rivals Sunderland.