Stoke City piled further pressure on Alan Pardew on Monday night as Peter Crouch secured a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Britannia Stadium.
It was the perfect start for the hosts as they broke the deadlock in just the 15th minute when Crouch climbed highest inside the box to head home from a Victor Moses cross.
Stoke felt certain that they should have been awarded a penalty midway through the first half when Yoann Gouffran collided with Victor Moses inside the box, but their appeals were rejected.
Newcastle broke away moments after the controversial incident, and were inches away from an equaliser when Moussa Sissoko fired a powerful strike just wide of the post.
Asmir Begovic was asked to do very little before the interval, but he made a vital contribution late in the first half by getting a hand on Daryl Janmaat's effort from the edge of the box.
Stoke were once again on top just after the break as Marko Arnautovic rattled the post with a half-volley when Mike Williamson failed to fully clear the danger from Marc Muniesa's dangerous cross.
Newcastle struggled to enjoy the extended spell of pressure they needed to force an equaliser as large sections of the visiting supporters voiced their displeasure on another disappointing night for the Magpies.
The Potters continued to look dangerous when getting players forward, but Tim Krul came to the rescue for Newcastle to deny Moses when some hesitant defending had gifted a chance to the winger.
Despite their difficulties in the final third of the pitch, Newcastle had a glorious chance to snatch a point late on when Gabriel Obertan's cross reached Jack Colback in the six-yard box, but the midfielder rattled the crossbar when it looked easier to score.
