Pardew pleads with Demba to keep raising Newcastle’s Ba
NEWCASTLE 1 vs NORWICH 0
NEWCASTLE manager Alan Pardew urged Demba Ba to continue his fine form after the striker’s third goal in two games secured their first Premier League win since the opening day of the season.
“That all got blown out of proportion a little bit – the comments from his agent,” said Pardew about suggestions the striker was unhappy at Newcastle. “I spoke to him, I think he was misquoted on that – but I also think that Demba is a player that will have to be rested now and again, he can’t play every game.
“I hope he gets the same run [as he did last year] running up to Christmas. He’s an important player for us.”
Norwich manager Chris Hughton said: “To come here and have the possession that we did, cause the problems we did, is testament to our side, but we need to get that right formula that we need to win matches.”
Ba’s goal was a clinical finish past Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy after a defence-splitting pass from Hatem Ben Arfa in the 19th minute. Papiss Cisse missed a first-half penalty with Newcastle’s best chance beyond Ba’s goal.