Pardew - Magpies form not acceptable

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will head into the new year ruing the month which spoiled 2012 for him.

Much of the last 12 months has proved a thrilling adventure for the 51-year-old, who guided the club to a top-five Barclays Premier League finish at the end of last season and back into European football for the first time in five years.

Pardew, who takes the Magpies to Arsenal on Saturday, was relatively happy with his lot until November came around. A poor spell has resulted in them losing seven of their last nine league games. Asked if he would be glad to see the back of the first half of the season, Pardew said: "Yes, I will be."

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