Stoke City has beaten Newcastle United 1-0 at home to put further pressure on the struggling Premier League side and manager Alan Pardew.

In a tight and sometimes spiteful match, Stoke took the lead for good in the 15th minute through a close range header from tall striker Peter Crouch.

Left to chase the game, Newcastle had the lion’s share of possession, but could not make it count as the side which has scored only six goals so far this season failed to break down the Stoke defence.

Newcastle’s best chance of the match came with 10 minutes left when a great move down the right wing led to a cross from Gabriel Obertan which found midfielder Jack Colback in the six-yard area, but Colback was left in disbelief after smashing his shot off the post.

Media reports have quoted United owner Mike Ashley saying he would sack Pardew if Newcastle lost to Stoke, although Ashley said later the comments were a joke.

The loss put Newcastle at the foot of the Premier League table level with Burnley, with just three points and no wins from the team’s first six matches.

Stoke moved up to 11th spot, behind five other clubs – including Manchester United – on goal difference.