Alan Pardew has hailed the performance of Super Eagles’ striker, Shola Ameobi, as Newcastle United saw off Norwich 2-1 on Saturday, describing the big striker as “the pick of the bunch”.
First half goals from Loic Remy and Yoan Gouffran earned the Magpies a third-successive Barclays Premier League victory, but it was Ameobi who particularly caught the eye, with a superb display.
The Nigerian international caused problems for the Canaries defence throughout his 73 minutes on the pitch, and played a huge part in Gouffran’s strike, starting the move deep inside his own half before racing into the box to head goalwards, which City keeper, John Ruddy, spilled.
“We had some great performances, with Shola the pick of the bunch,” Pardew told nufcTV.
“And that bodes well because he’s having to keep Papiss and Hatem out and justify (his place), and I thought he did that on the pitch.”
Saturday’s three-point haul followed up victories over Chelsea and Tottenham, to push Newcastle into the division’s top 10.
And while Pardew believes his side can play much better, the result was all-important.
“I thought we were really in control for the first 70 minutes and so was disappointed we didn’t do better with the ball in the second half and get that third goal,” he explained.
Trending
- Fidelity Bank share price appreciates by 297% in 13 years
- Missing university female student found dead
- As petrol sells for N800, groans heard in Lagos
- Manipulation, gaslighting and lies, by Richard Odusanya
- PDP suspends Rivers House of Reps member
- NUPRC opens bid for 17 marginal oil fields – Komolafe
- Naira slides by 6% against dollar at official market
- 34 killed in less than one month in Awka — Lawmaker