Demba Cisse the most expensive player in the January transfer and the other half of the Senegalese strike force alongside Demba Ba, provided an instant impact as he scored a majestic goal on his debut. Majestic.
Ba and Cisse were away on ACN duty and how they were missed, especially Ba, who gave Newcastle the lead in the 30th minute for his 16th Premiership goal. Villa looking good in spells managed to go into half time with the equalizer through Robbie Keane, whose Premiership loan return has been quite spectacular too.
The magical moment belonged to Demba Cisse (Papiss Demba Cisse) if you must in the 71st minute who latched onto a cross by Jonas Gutierrez after Villa failed to clear and the Senegalese striker chested the ball down and slammed it on the half volley giving Shay Given no chance at all. Automatic. No hesitation. No second guessing.
In Jonas Gutierrez, Newcastle have an immense, unflagging motor, who never gives up. A force of nature. Yoann Cabaye’s place was taken by Danny Guthrie, a very underrated player who kept the midfield metronome going through his nice through balls and chips into the box, creating scoring opportunities for Ba and Cisse. The Geordies paid a price through ugly injuries to Leon Best and Ryan Taylor, the latter’s looked far worse as he was stretchered off.
Villa did no favours to Arsenal, as Newcastle climb to fifth with Chelsea making ground over Spurs, looking good for the win against Man Utd. Tomorrow Liverpool take on Spurs, in another defining match for the race at the top.
Alex McLeish looked like broiled lobster on the sidelines screaming his head off.