Alan Pardew says Fabricio Coloccini like Bobby Moore in draw at Sunderland

Alan Pardew: What a performance one of the best he has given for me

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew evoked the memory of Bobby Moore as he highlighted the efforts of his captain Fabricio Coloccini in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland.

The Argentinian was forced off with cramp five minutes before Demba Ba's 85th-minute own goal ensured the points were shared.

Pardew said: "Maybe if Coloccini had stayed on, he would have seen that out. He was absolutely phenomenal today.

"If you want an example of a centre-half playing where you have got to head it, kick it, cover people, get in the right position and then have the calmness to play, that was your example.

"I come from a famous football club, West Ham, and that was like watching Bobby Moore. He was terrific."
Alan Pardew

"I come from a famous football club, West Ham, and that was like watching Bobby Moore today. He was terrific.

"You have also got to understand - and it sometimes goes a little bit under the radar - at the Premier League level, what is asked of you physically.

"If we had had 11, I think he could have made the game, but because we went down to 10, there was just too much work for him and both calves tightened up.

"But what a performance, seriously, one of the best he has given for me, for sure."