Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes that Loic Remy's last-gasp strike in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa today will prove the turning point in the Magpies' season.

Pardew's side brought a five-game goal drought to an end in timely fashion as the Frenchman marked his return to first-team action from suspension with the late winner.

Newcastle had not found the net since the 3-1 victory away to West Ham United on January 18, and the 52-year-old insists that Remy's goal will have positive psychological implications on his team.

"It was beginning to hang around us that lack of a goal," Pardew told reporters. "It was an important goal and our commitment and work-rate are what probably saw us over the line.

"Although we have 40 points, in the scheme of the last few games it was important. The best player on the pitch got the goal."

The North-East outfit reached the 40-point mark in the Premier League table with the victory.