Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes Fabian Schar’s long-range goal against PSG in the Champions League will be remembered as one of the club’s best moments.
Central defender Schar scored in stoppage time to clinch a superb 4-1 triumph over the French champions, lost his footing as he hammered the ball into the top corner in front of the famed Gallowgate End.
It was a remarkable finish to a statement victory for Newcastle, who lead Group F – ahead of PSG, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund – with two matches remaining in their first Champions League campaign in more than two decades.
Pardew, who spent four years in charge of Newcastle between 2010 and 2014, covered the match live for Sky Sports’ Soccer Special programme and was full of praise for Eddie Howe’s team.
And he believes Schar’s strike will enter a place in Newcastle folklore alongside Philippe Albert’s famous chip in a memorable 5-0 triumph over Manchester United in 1996.
Asked how Newcastle were capable of pulling off such a fine victory, Pardew said: “Firstly, they did it because the stadium was in magnificent voice – [a] magnificent atmosphere was created – but they were brave. They went and pressed the ball from the start.
“The back four – [Jamaal] Lascelles, Schar, [Dan] Burn and [Kieran] Trippier – were magnificent.
“There were times when they were four v four – you’re talking about [Ousmane] Dembele and [Kylian] Mbappe, two of the world’s greatest players – so you have to be brave if you’re going to do that.
“And Eddie was brave, he set them up to do that. They pressed, they got their first goal from the press and then really and truly PSG were struggling to find openings, trying to find some sort of rhythm in the game. They had no rhythm. Lots of passes, but never looked like hurting Newcastle.
“From [the third goal] on really, they were comfortable. It was only [when] PSG nicked a goal back – which probably they didn’t deserve, if I’m honest – when PSG had 10 minutes where it was a bit nervy.
“The last goal just summed the evening up: Schar’s walked into midfield, robbed the ball, it’s bounced back to him and he’s hit it.
“Remember Albert, that famous goal when he chips [Peter] Schmeichel against Man United? This one is going to go down in similar folklore, I think.
“He’s bent it in the top corner, his standing foot’s shifted a little bit but he’s managed to put his foot round it.
“And what a way to end: they’ve done a lap of honour, thoroughly deserved. I don’t really want to pick out names, but to a man – the whole squad and the fans – what a great, great night for Newcastle and fair play to them.
“They’ve invested the money well and they’ve got a team to be proud of.”
Pardew’s praise for Newcastle was echoed by Rio Ferdinand, who stated the club was “perfect all over the pitch” in executing a high-risk, pressing game.
Ferdinand went on to convey his displeasure with PSG’s performance, describing them as “lazy and lightweight” in comparison to the home team.
When Newcastle hosts Dortmund later this month, they will have the opportunity to take complete control of Group F.
The Bundesliga team earned their first point of the Champions League season on Wednesday with a goalless draw at home to AC Milan, but they are presently bottom of the so-called group of death.