It’s Tyne to get your act together

Posted Sunday, September 02, 2012 by The Sun

It’s Tyne to get your act together
DRY SPELL ... Cisse is blowing cold

ALAN PARDEW has read the riot act to goal-shy strike duo Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba.

The prolific scorers found the net 30 times between them last season to fire Newcastle to a fine fifth-placed finish in the Premier League.

But it has been a different story this term with Ba’s opening-game winner against Tottenham the only goal the normally deadly duo have produced in nine hours of football.

Pardew has had strong words with the misfiring Senegal stars and is demanding a major improvement today at home to struggling Aston Villa.

Despite a lack of other attacking options since the summer departure of Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands, Pardew has not ruled out dropping Cisse and Ba.

The Toon boss said: “I think Papiss and Demba have been under-par so far. In the short-term
their form has not been good for the first two or three games and I’ve asked them for a lot better against Villa.

“We’ve got enough tactical options to make them worry about their places.”

Asked if he’d had words with the two players, Pardew smiled: “Sort of.”

Cisse opened his account with a stunning debut strike in the victory over Villa last season, the first in an amazing run of 14 goals in 13 games.

Ba also scored in that 2-1 February win — the only time the pair have been on the scoresheet together for Newcastle. His effort against Spurs was his first in almost six months to end a nightmare drought.

Pardew added: “It’s not often they score in the same game so hopefully lightning will strike twice with a bit of luck.”

Standing in Newcastle’s way will be former Toon favourite Shay Given.

The veteran keeper hopes to bounce back after his howler helped Everton crank up the early-season pressure on Paul Lambert’s men with last week’s easy win at Villa Park. Republic of Ireland legend Given played a big role in the development of Toon stopper Tim Krul during a memorable 12-year stint at St James’ Park, where he clocked up more than 450 games.

Dutch star Krul insists his mentor will be back to his best in front of the fans who still hero-worship the 36-year-old.

Krul said: “You don’t have to worry about Shay. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and he’ll bounce back — although I hope he doesn’t have a blinder like the last time he came here.

“Shay’s incredible. He’s been a legend for this club. He’s been incredibly important for me. I was 17 when I came here and he and Steve Harper looked after me for three years. I owe them both a lot.”

Given has hung up his gloves at international level but Krul added: “He’s got a few more years left
yet at Villa.

“He’s got a long-term contract there and I know he’ll keep playing until he really can’t play any more. So he’ll be around for a good while yet.”