Saturday 23 August 2014 17:10, UK
Alan Pardew was left to bemoan a disappointing attacking performance following Newcastle United's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa and suggested that some of his new players may be trying too hard.
The Magpies created most of the goalscoring opportunities in a tight game at Villa Park but could not find a winner as they picked up their first point of the Premier League campaign.
The likes of Remy Cabella and Daryl Janmaat failed to make the most of chances before substitute and fellow summer signing Siem de Jong was denied late on by a decent Brad Guzan save.
Newcastle lost their first game of the campaign 2-0 at home against Manchester City and they ended the Villa one a man light after Mike Williamson was sent off in stoppage time.
Pardew was satisfied with his side's overall display, but said: "Obviously the last third today was not so good.
Obviously the last third today was not so good. I think a lot of the new offensive players are trying so hard and sometimes that isn't the way to score goals.
"I think a lot of the new offensive players are trying so hard and sometimes that isn't the way to score goals.
"You need to have that super, uber-confidence. We know we need to get some goals and hopefully at Gillingham (in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday) we can get a couple before we play Crystal Palace (in the Premier League at home on Saturday) and get that one off us.
"But there was a lot of good play and a lot of good movement.
"I felt sorry for Willo (Williamson), because I thought he was terrific in his distribution today and then he gets sent off.
"Overall, to come to Villa and control the second half like we did, I'm pleased."
Pardew, who said he felt Newcastle had deserved to win, was caught on camera during the game performing an apparent dance to convey a message to France midfielder Cabella from the touchline, which involved the manager shifting from side to side and pulling an exaggerated smile.
Asked about that, Pardew said: "I just felt he was trying too hard. He had a lot of publicity last week (for his performance against City) and I just felt he was a bit tense.
"He had a couple of great situations for us where he didn't deliver and that is not like him. So I was just trying to get him to play with a smile.
"I spoke to him again at half-time and I thought he was better in the second half and he kept the balance of the team well. But he will play a lot better than he did today."
Pardew also said Newcastle had their "finger on the pulse" with regard to the possibility of doing further business before the end of the transfer window.
He stressed - after stating he thought there would be "some movement", with "maybe one or two" departures - that he has had no offers for any of his players.
