An eventual 3-1 defeat to the Barclays Premier League leaders did scant justice to the Magpies' efforts.

Demba Ba spurned two good chances before the hosts got the first of their two penalties, then Hatem Ben Arfa saw his shot bounce to safety off the inside of a post just as the visitors were starting to rally from two goals down.

So, with star midfielder Cheik Tiote set to return from a knee injury and Pardew also expressing optimism that Gabriel Obertan might be able to make a comeback against his former club after a toe problem, a visit to Manchester United is not a worry.

"I have no fear going to Manchester United after seeing that," said Pardew.

"We are still in a great position and we will have some key players back in Tiote and Obertan. That will help."

Pardew has consistently refused to buy into the theory that his side's impressive form will collapse once they have completed a run of matches involving both Manchester clubs and Chelsea.

It is easy to see why too, looking at the form of returning striker Ben Arfa and the confidence his players have gained from a hugely impressive first 11 games.

And although it was easy to cite a three-minute brainstorm from Ryan Taylor as the trigger for his side's demise, Pardew refused to blame the full-back, who handled Yaya Toure's shot to concede the first penalty before being caught in possession by Micah Richards for City's second.

"Ryan is a hero at our place this year, an absolute hero," said Pardew.

"What happened was unfortunate."