RYAN Taylor has been backed to recover from a tough afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.
Taylor was at fault for two of Manchester City’s goals in Newcastle United’s 3-1 defeat on Saturday.
The 27-year-old has been a Premier League ever-present this season, having been drafted in out of position at left-back in the wake of Jose Enrique’s summer sale to Liverpool.
Match report: Manchester City 3 Newcastle United 1
And he faced his toughest game yet against the league leaders.
Taylor handled a shot from Mario Balotelli to give away a penalty for City’s opening goal late in the first half, and he was caught in possession in the 44th minute for their second.
But Pardew has no issues with how Taylor – or any of his defenders – set about their tasks at the Etihad Stadium.
“When you come up against these sort of players, and you’re a defender, you’re going to have some tough times,” Pardew told the Gazette.
“All our defenders had some tough times.
“There were outstanding footballers out on that pitch, but all of them came out with great credit.
“I couldn’t have asked for much more.
“They deserved to win – they’re a very, very strong team.”
Taylor’s namesake Steven was off the field having blood flow stemmed from his nose when Hatem Ben Arfa gave away the penalty which was converted by Sergio Ageuro for City’s third goal.
The 25-year-old has been wearing a mask since his nose was broken against Wigan Athletic last month.
Taylor was caught full in the face by a ball, but fortunately, his nose was not broken again.
Pardew quipped: “It’s getting a bit rubbery, that nose!”
* Former Newcastle defender Andy O’Brien’s career at Leeds United is over, according to manager Simon Grayson.
“Andy O’Brien came to me on Friday and said that he no longer wanted to play for this football club,’’ said Grayson.
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