Alan Pardew: 'Recent form has stained our season'

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has admitted that his side's recent form has put a dampener on their season.

The Magpies were sixth in the table at Christmas, but have taken just 13 points from their last 17 games in the Premier League, in a run that has seen them lose their last five matches.

Pardew told reporters: "Top 10 was just our goal, it wasn't an instruction. It's not like a life or death sort of decision.

"The short-term results over the last five games have really put a bit of a stain on our position. We need to remove it."

Newcastle face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium later today.