Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has insisted that his side were hard done by in last night's heavy defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies' hopes of progression to the semi-finals of the League Cup came unstuck at White Hart Lane in a 4-0 reverse.

Nabil Bentaleb capitalised on some slack goalkeeping from Jak Alnwick to put Spurs ahead, before second-half strikes from Nacer Chadli, Harry Kane and substitute Roberto Soldado condemned the Magpies to a heavy loss.

Following the game, Pardew told BBC Sport: "Our back four was not quite as solid as it has looked, but if there was ever that cliche that goals win games, then this is it.

"Actually, I thought it was pretty even up to Jak Alnwick making a mistake. Our performance level was pretty good but the score is what it is. That's unfortunate for the players who put a shift in."

Newcastle return to action on Sunday afternoon when they face bitter rivals Sunderland.