Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admitted being surprised by their recent form as he prepares to return to the touchline against Arsenal following his seven game ban for head-butting Hull City midfielder David Meyler. During Pardew's absence, the Magpies have endured a miserable run of form, losing six and winning just one of their last seven games.
"It is hard to believe really, when we beat Palace (in March) that we would end up like this," he told the Evening Chronicle.
Wilfried Bony's stoppage-time penalty grabbed Swansea a 2-1 win in the final game of Pardew's ban, making it five straight Premier League defeats.
Pardew said: "I'm absolutely gutted with events after the last-minute goal.
"I didn't think we deserved it. Unfortunately we are going to have to wear it."
