Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew felt their defeat to Manchester City was a "great advert for the Premier League".

City stayed top with their 2-0 win at St James' Park.

Pards said: "There's a lot of criticism about the Premier League but I thought the conduct of the players on the pitch and the two staffs was exemplary.

"They conducted themselves in a great manner and we applauded them off and quite rightly.

"The whole day was a great advert for the Premier League and the best team won.

"I don't like to say that because my team weren't the best team but I thought it was a good day. The most important thing was we've brought some respect back to this club.

"Tradition and history, unveiling Sir Bobby Robson's statue today. Some clubs haven't got the fabric we've got.

"Now we're back competing up there it must feel good to the fans.

"I really hope next year we have the same sort of season and we're competing for a Champions League position again."