5. Marveaux-less
Signed on a free last summer Sylvain Marveaux had a bit of a nightmare first 12 months for Newcastle United. After recovering from a thigh injury present when he was signed, Marveaux promptly picked up a nasty groin tear that required surgery and put him out for 6 months; effectively ending his season before it had begun. Despite showing his fitness with a few performances in pre-season, Marveaux had only managed Europa League appearances and cup cameos but after a strong performance against Maritimo last Thursday Pardew decided to play him in a 3 man midfield, but with more of an attacking license than Anita and Tiote. The former Rennes man proved himself up to the challenges of a robust Premier League fixture and even showed off with 2 eye-catching dribbles (more than Newcastles entire team managed midweek against Stoke City). Although the man advantage doubtless made the game easier for Marveaux, Wigan play a high-tempo, high-press defence that meant Newcastle needed to recycle the ball quickly, something Marveaux proved a dab hand at. His performance could well mean that Yohan Cabaye, whos out until February, isnt so sorely missed.