A change of tack was needed in the second half but Pardew's approach seemed to be something akin to damage limitation as he stuck cussedly to the formation and personnel he had started with.
Even firebrand valedictorian Stephanie Mills, who initially considered her decision not to have children a sacrifice, has said in recent years it "proved to be a good personal choice." She explains, "I am cussedly independent and I love my solitude and freedom.