The Magpies have endured a torrid second-half to the season, winning just four of their last 19 games.
Their last win came against Crystal Palace in the middle of March when Papiss Cisse netted a late winner, and now find themselves on a five-game losing run.
They are also in danger of sliding into the bottom half of the table, after previously looking assured of a top-ten finish.
Toon boss Pardew, who has come in for fierce criticism from supporters lately, says he can't believe the turnaround in his side's fortunes.
"It is hard to believe really, when we beat Palace (in March) that we would end up like this," he told the Evening Chronicle.
"I'm absolutely gutted with events after the last-minute goal.
"I didn't think we deserved it. Unfortunately we are going to have to wear it."
Pardew will return to the dugout for the clash with the Gunners following a seven-game absence after his headbutt on Hull's David Meyler.
