In a campaign riddled with inconsistent performances from Newcastle's blue-chip brigade Tiote has been an unwavering pillar of consistency in the heart of midfield. It's likely that Alan Pardew will task the the 27-year-old Ivorian enforcer with the objective of neutralising a revitalised Ramsey when the two square up in the centre of the park at the Emirates Stadium. Tiote has been a different beast this season, shedding his tag as a reckless midfield bulldozer, the penalty he conceded against Swansea last week was a surprise aberration, and has added a layer of maturity to his game since taking over vice-captain duties, committing less fouls-per-game this term (1.9) than in any the previous four seasons despite averaging 3.3 tackles-per-game. His thankless screening of the leakiest back-four in the top-half of the table hasn't gone unnoticed and he'll be pivotal to smothering the influence Ramsey will have on the contest. The Welshman has bagged a goal and two assists in his last two appearances since returning from a long-term injury and will pose a grave threat should Tiote prove unable to keep him under lock and key.
