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Pardew promises Newcastle 'show' for fans

Alan Pardew wants to win the game for the fans © PA Photos

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Alan Pardew is aiming to "put on a show" for Newcastle fans during their last game of the season against Arsenal.

The Magpies have endured a difficult campaign that has seen them battle against relegation and struggle to escape the bottom half of the table.

Earlier in the week, Pardew revealed that comments he made about being happy to lose 4-0 to the Gunners were meant as a joke.

Having finally secured their Premier League status last Sunday thanks to a 2-1 win away to Queens Park Rangers, the club welcome Champions League chasing Arsenal on Sunday, knowing a win could see them finish as high as tenth in the Premier League table.

With one of Pardew's most memorable games at the club coming against the Gunners, when Newcastle came back from 4-0 down to draw the game, the 51-year-old is eager to see history repeat itself, and excitement return to St James' Park for the final day of the season.

"When we drew 4-4 we saw some electrifying play that day - we want that level of excitement again," he told the Evening Chronicle. "Without the mood swing of course. We want to get a result this time, and we need to send our fans home in a better mood than the last two games. It was a huge lift, not just for the players, but just as importantly the staff, with us being safe.

"Now we can really focus on one game. We can play without any inhibitions, unlike against Liverpool. That's important. We want to win the game for our fans, who have been magnificent."

Pardew has also been boosted by the news that midfielder Cheick Tiote has shrugged off a hamstring complaint and will be fit for the game. Forced off the pitch last weekend in place of James Perch, Tiote is set to start on Sunday with his manager is predicting the midfielder making a significant impact.

"Cheick's over his hamstring now," he said. "He's training well, and I think he's played a lot better in the last two games. He'll be very important against Arsenal."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.