What are the three points really worth?

A few weeks back I wrote an article about the choice of a win in our next game and three points or Pardew getting sacked on the back of another loss. The response, dare I say it, leaned a little toward sacrificing the three points if it were to mean we were rid of Pardew.

Will it be all smiles this weekend?

Of course it was a hypothetical question and as it turned out, we only sacrificed two points after a draw with Hull...and Pardew remained in charge. The next game was another draw, this time against Swansea and even with the point gained, we still have not moved out of the relegation places on the table. That was a week or two back and as we wait for the return of the season proper, to me, there seems to be a real need growing amongst the fans, the players and Pardew to get a win from our next game. However, I believe our next game is about much more than the three points on offer. This international break has given everyone time to reflect of what has transpired to date and I get the feeling that most fans will now put aside their disdain for Pardew and will be desperately hoping for that first win. I am not suggesting that anyone was hoping that we would lose games, it was just that a few weeks back, things didn't seem so dire. Also the players really need a boost that only a win can provide. The longer our win-less steak goes on the more pressure will go on the players. To me they are already playing with too much fear and I would dread to see it get any worse. Every on field mistake now seems to draw a exasperated groan from the crowd and the building tension can only have a detrimental effect on the players.
All that being said, I think Alan Pardew really needs the win more than anyone else. When he is down, it reflects in his teams performances. His nervous, try not to lose before we can win approach seems to be his best option this season. It would be nice to see him go all out and attack on the back of a good win but only time will tell if that ever happens.
So it is safe to say the three points would be nice for our position on the league table but I really think a win would be good for the soul of everyone associated with the club. I think everyone needs a pick me up and a win would go a long way to achieving that!