It also struck an instant rapport that has bought him credit and patience from supporters who are simply delighted with the way their team continues to trouble the Premier League’s top four.
Pardew talked of his team “letting their hair down” when they go to Tottenham next week, perhaps a poor choice of words when his two main threats both sport closely cropped hairstyles.
But the sentiment was right – and if Newcastle can squeeze something out of their White Hart Lane assignment, perhaps it is time to start peering at those Champions League places again.
Until that happens, we should just be thankful that this is a Newcastle side that understands the importance of graft, commitment and straining every sinew for the cause.
That is what they had to do at times against a Villa side possessing plenty of talent but bereft of the yeoman virtues which have carried Newcastle so far this season.
Already shorn of Yohan Cabaye for a questionable suspension, they lost Best on the quarter hour mark and then Ryan Taylor in the build-up to Demba Ba’s opener. It left the midfield with a very unfamiliar look but credit must be apportioned to Danny Guthrie, who assumed the role of senior statesman in the middle of the field with aplomb. Alongside him James Perch often found life tough but his work-rate was splendid.
Still, Villa found a route through them too often for Pardew’s liking. Bent snuck in behind the back four twice in the opening half-hour only to find Tim Krul on stunning form to deny him at his boots twice.
By then Cissé had made his entrance to much fanfare, but it was his compatriot, who had almost snuck back in through the entrance door unnoticed, that made the breakthrough.
A Guthrie cross was only half-cleared by the visitors, but Taylor’s shot ricocheted into the path of Ba, who dug the ball out from his feet to slam past Given. Joy unconfined? Not quite – replays showed a reckless challenge on Taylor that might have earned Warnock a red card. He departed on a stretcher with his leg in a splint sucking in oxygen.
Alex McLeish’s side levelled on half-time with a brilliantly-worked goal.
Charles N’Zogbia, largely quiet for long spells, fed Keane from a few yards out and the LA Galaxy man tapped home to restore parity.
The second half was touch and go. Cissé wasted a brilliant chance when he sent a header over the bar. But he made amends almost immediately when Jonas Gutierrez delivered a testing ball into his path after a stirring run down the left flank. His first touch teed a chance up perfectly, while his second made history.
