Cabaye quite simply put on a masterclass on Saturday. For the first 45 minutes the Frenchman ran the show, occupying that little pocket of space behind the striker. It was a classic number 10's performance. Pardew admitted after the match that Cabaye has finally found his role within the team. He is essentially given licence to roam and cause havoc in whatever way he can. Judging by Saturday's evidence it is a position the French international revels in. Cabaye more than deserved his two goals, just reward for the influence he had on the game. He orchestrated large parts of the match and Jack Collison and Mark Noble in the West Ham midfield seemed perplexed as how to stop him. Such an eye-catching performance will no doubt increase speculation about Cabaye's future at the club. Padrew confessed after the victory that every player in the Premier League has their price - a indication perhaps that clubs are circling in on Newcastle's prized asset. Despite the expected interest, Newcastle must endeavour to keep hold of their talisman. He is what makes them tick, that little bit of magic which can unlock opposition defences. If the Magpies were to lose Cabaye than the balance of the side would be very disrupted and it is difficult to envisage who could come in and fill the void left by his departure. Pardew and the club must hang onto him.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.