3. Ben Arfa Is Under-Used
Something most Newcastle fans will attest to is the clearly phenomenal ability of Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa, and that intangible magic that gives him the capacity to change a game in an instant. On the ball, Ben Arfa breezes past defenders as if they are not there, setting up chances for team-mates, or carving them out for himself, and generally possessing the necessary skills to turn a defeat into a draw, or a draw into a victory. Unfortunately for Newcastle, because of the added defensive needs yesterday in the wake of Tiote's sending off, Ben Arfa was painfully under-used, and while he worked hard to help his team out, and made a couple of strong runs - including that which set up Demba Ba for the shot which ultimately lead to Cabaye's goal - he was largely ineffectual for most of the game as an attacking threat. Newcastle need to get their strongest players on the ball, and Ben Arfa's dribbling ability is one of the strongest assets at the club at the minute, changing defensive situations into attacks and bringing other players into play. The answer to this, though it's not one that would have worked yesterday, is to play Ben Arfa as part of a front three that allows him more freedom to pick the ball up and run, rather than having to defend so much. Danny Simpson has been a big player since he came back from injury, and though he is still rumoured to be on his way out, his form could allow Ben Arfa more scope to attack and be much more valuable to the team.