Both Yoann Gouffran and Moussa Sissoko debuted from the start for Newcastle at Villa Park and both their performances will give Alan Pardew plenty to be happy with when it comes to January additions. Gouffran looked bright on the wing and gave Newcastle something different. He demonstrated good skill and pace and got the ball in to good areas. After the horror show which was Shola Ameobi on the wing against Reading, Gouffran was a breath of fresh air. Newcastle fans can start to dream of a forward three containing Gouffran, Cisse and Ben Arfa, a combination which would have enough pace and skill to trouble any backline. However, Moussa Sissoko was in a class of his own. Arguably the man of the match the former Toulouse player played in an attacking midfield role, in the first half everything seemed to come through the big Frenchman with him dictating the tempo throughout and he managed to mark his debut with the assist. Sissoko faded in the second half as Villa came more and more in to the match and he became more isolated but he showed his versatility when he was asked to play deeper. His first half performance was something to marvel though and the Toon Army seem to have landed themselves a real steal. Finally there was Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa who came off the bench for a cameo. Montpelliers title winning captain didnt get much time to impress, but did make one very good block during the later stages of the game. Newcastles new signings have added depth and skill to their fragile squad and with Haidara still to debut and Ben Arfa soon back from injury the squad seems to only be able to get stronger.
