Newcastle United vs. Norwich City: 6 Things We Learned

Newcastle United’s fine run of form continued on Saturday as the Magpies registered their third win in a row with a victory over Norwich City.

First-half goals from Loic Remy and Yoan Gouffran put the Toon in control, and while a late Leroy Fer header sparked a nervy finish, Alan Pardew’s players hung on to move within two points of the top four.

In front of over 51,000 fans at St. James’ Park, the home side was in complete control before the break, and its passing was simply too much for the Canaries.

So as Pardew’s men continue to improve, we take a look at six things that were learned following United’s triumph over Chris Hughton’s struggling side.

Shola Ameobi Is Enjoying a New Lease of Life

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Shola Ameobi (right)

Buoyed by Nigeria’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup and the possibility of appearing in Brazil, Shola Ameobi put in an outstanding shift for Newcastle United on Saturday.

The striker was a constant threat to Norwich’s back four during the opening 45 minutes and put his considerable strength and aerial ability to great use against City.

His powerful header on 38 minutes was too hot to handle for Canaries stopper John Ruddy, allowing Yoan Gouffran to steal in and score the Magpies’ all-important second.

And the big forward almost grabbed a deserved goal of his own but saw his lethal strike from outside the penalty area expertly saved.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa’s Versatility Is a Welcome Addition

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In the absence of regular right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who was serving a one-game suspension, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa slotted in seamlessly with the minimum of fuss.

The Frenchman forged an effective understanding with Moussa Sissoko down Newcastle’s right-hand side, and though neither were in their preferred positions, they rarely looked out of place.

With ample cover at left-back, United have looked a little threadbare on the opposite flank at times this season, with options beyond Debuchy appearing to be limited.

But following Yanga-Mbiwa’s accomplished performance against Norwich City, Alan Pardew can sleep easy knowing he has a ready-made replacement if necessary.

Newcastle Finally Have Some Depth on the Bench

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Hatem Ben Arfa

The claim before a ball was kicked this season was that Newcastle United had a decent starting XI but were short of options should injuries and suspensions take hold. 

But their three second-half substitutions belittled that assertion against Norwich City on Saturday, and the Magpies were able to name some genuine quality on the bench.

After the break, Vurnon Anita, Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa were introduced to the action—all international players and all hungry for a place in Alan Pardew’s side.

And with the likes of Jonas Gutierrez and Steven Taylor set to return to the fold over the coming weeks, the Toon finally look like they have some appealing alternatives beyond their starting line-up.

Cheick Tiote Is Newcastle’s Most Improved Player This Season

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By his standards, Cheick Tiote endured a difficult campaign last season and was often labelled a liability due to his indifferent form and ill-disciplined performances.

This term, however, the Ivory Coast international has looked a totally different player and is back to his tough-tackling best since donning the captain’s armband in Fabricio Coloccini’s absence.

Though Mike Williamson also has a claim in Newcastle United’s “most improved” category, Tiote’s energy and power have been expertly utilised in their wins over Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City.

And against the Canaries at St. James’ Park on Saturday, the midfielder once more proved how important he is to his team’s cause with a typically assertive display.

Yohan Cabaye Has Steel as Well as Style

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Yohan Cabaye (right)

Yohan Cabaye has often been praised for his immaculate passing range, his eye for goal from distance and his all-round flair and invention, but we saw a different side to the Frenchman on Saturday.

Used in a central-midfield pairing alongside Cheick Tiote, the 27-year-old was in Norwich City’s faces from the first whistle and closed down the opposition at every opportunity.

His energy and attitude were crucial as Newcastle United pressed and harried the opposition, and their dominant display in the first half was because of such qualities.

The visitors weren’t given any time to settle in the opening 45 minutes at St. James’ Park, and Cabaye played a big part in helping his team squeeze its opponents.

Smells Like Team Spirit

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It is not by chance that Newcastle United have won their last three fixtures and strengthened their position in the top half of the Premier League table. 

Their recent form is down to a number of factors, but perhaps the most important is the team spirit that exists at St. James’ Park right now.

Big questions were asked of Alan Pardew’s players following defeat to local rivals Sunderland last month, but the Magpies collectively formulated the perfect response.

And after a hat-trick of victories, the togetherness that exists between the players has been rewarded, rendering October’s derby loss to their rivals a distant memory.