Sol Campbell will make his full debut for Newcastle United against Chelsea on Wednesday night, and it looks like Ben Arfa is hoping to play in that game too.
Hatem Ben Arfa – there it goes – ggggggoooooaaaaallllll!
We also expect Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi to start the game, but as we said, it looks like Ben Arfa is also more than keen to take part in Wednesday’s Carling Cup test against the PL Champions.
The 23 year-old told the Evening Chronicle today:
“I now must focus myself and concentrate on the match on Wednesday night. It’s a game we all want to play in.”“I love the supporters here – they give me so much confidence.”
“They’ve backed me all the way since I’ve been here, and I want to keep on repaying them.” “It was a very important game, especially after what happened last week.”
“I got the ball, looked up and saw the chance, and shot. I knew it was a goal before it went in. I will watch it again, and tell you if it is the best I have scored.”
Ben Arfa has already become a huge favorite with the Newcastle fans, and of course they chanted his name at the end of the game, and that was only fitting, because it was a moment of sublime brilliance from the loan signing, that won the game for Newcastle.
And we couldn’t score a single goal against Blackpool at home last week?
Chris will now be realizing he should have brought the kid on much earlier against Blackpool, but you live and learn, and Chris and the fans now know that this lad can produce magic, when he has to.
What a player this lad is!
Comments welcome.
7 comments so far
PK-Norway
Sep 20, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Comment #1FIRST!
PK-Norway
Sep 20, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Comment #2Chris Hughton gave full Premier League debuts to two new midfielders on Saturday – Hatem Ben Arfa and Cheick Tioté. Ben Arfa made the most obvious impact, with a stunning 30-yard drive that turned out to be the game’s only goal, but Tioté also impressed in a more low-key role. Starting in place of Alan Smith, Tioté’s calm, reliable distribution in the centre of the pitch allowed Newcastle to control the midfield. Indeed, they actually out-passed Everton on Saturday, recording 276 passes compared to the home side’s 260. It may be a narrow margin but not many sides will achieve that at Goodison Park this season – not even Manchester United, who lost out 329-298 in that respect. Tioté was the key to this – completing all of his 43 passes. He also made two interceptions, completed all three of his attempted tackles, and his only shot was on target.
NUFC_Richyg01
Sep 20, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Comment #3Sky Sports Open Day…
Anyone* who dont pay for Sky Sports can watch it free on Sunday.
NUFC vs Stoke 16:00 – 18:30
*see link (below)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,15964_6378051,00.html
Bryan
Sep 20, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Comment #4I said a couple of weeks ago that Ben Arfa would turn out to be the best signing NUFC have made in the last 10 years, and nothing I have seen so far has changed my mind. Apart from from Ben Arfa’s performance, what has pleased me more was the team ethics. The Wolves game was the same and we should have won that game too. We are now playing and competing as a team unit which is great to see. Our passing and movement in the first half was great which is very encouraging. This allowed Ben Artha to get into positions to hurt Everton with his pace and skill. Something that has been lacking in this team for some time.
Tiote for me was man of the match. It was his work rate and desire to win the ball and close down players that allowed our attack minded players to play with freedom. It was great to watch.
Another thing that really pleased me was the last 10 min when we were under pressure. Players were diving in and putting their bodies on the line just to stop shots at goal. 100% commitment from all the players. Again great to see. If we can get this consistancy in all our games, who knows were we will end the season. Certainly not in a relegation battle.
G
Sep 20, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Comment #5I think it’s a bit early for that kind of optimism Bryan @ 4, but for what it’s worth, I hope you are right mate.
baro
Sep 20, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Comment #6I love U 2 Ben Arfa!
milktoonaus
Sep 21, 2010 at 12:28 AM
Comment #7if those stats are true about tiote, then his debut (it must be said) is just as if not more impressive than ben arfa. Really really impressed with not only the accuracy but the style of his passing. quality player!!!