Ben Arfa growing as person - Pardew

06 October 2013 16:01

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew praised the manner in which Hatem Ben Arfa responded to being dropped at Cardiff, and believes it is a sign of the Frenchman's growing maturity.

The 26-year-old has been a talismanic figure for the Magpies, and had started their first six Barclays Premier League fixtures.

But, after Newcastle's abject first-half display in the 3-2 defeat at Everton, Ben Arfa was one of a trio of players to lose their places for the trip to south Wales.

The visitors grabbed an important 2-1 win, courtesy of Loic Remy's double, to alleviate some of the pressure Pardew has been under.

Ben Arfa was a late substitute, and gave Newcastle a valuable outlet as they attempted to stave off Cardiff's late surge for an equaliser.

Pardew said: "Hatem is a great player. His application and acceptance of the decision to leave him out was spot on and he is growing as a person.

"I think some of the things that get said about him are not true.

"He accepted it, he trained very well all week and he got his reward by walking off as part of a winning team."

Pardew also hailed the performance of another of his French contingent, after Yohan Cabaye turned in an outstanding individual display.

The midfielder, 27, had a troubled start to the season as he refused to play in their opening two fixtures after Arsenal made a bid to secure his services.

Source: PA