Amongst the goals was Demba Ba, who has been instrumental in Newcastle’s season. The Sengalese striker was arguably one of the shrewdest signings of 2011, joining from West Ham on a free transfer. There could not be a more perfect replacement for the loss of Andy Carroll to Liverpool, who is yet to find any form at Anfield. Ba has scored 15 Premier League goals this season and possesses all the qualities of a top forward; strength, pace, a good head and excellent finishing. However, as he leaves for the African Cup of Nations this weekend, Newcaslte may lack the firepower they need to continue their push up the table.
Ba’s departure leaves Leon Best, Shola and Sammy Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands as the remaining first team strikers. Worryingly, they have only managed to score four goals between them this season and Pardew has stated that the club will not be bringing in a new striker, after negotiations to sign Sochaux forward Modibo Maiga fell through.
Also of concern is the loss of Cheick Tiote, the defensive midfielder who joins up with the Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations. Tiote has been a huge presence on the pitch for Newcastle and has formed a strong central midfield partnership with Cabaye. The team will surely struggle to maintain the same solidity after Tiote goes and Obertan may have to step up to fill in the role. Pardew can also call on the highly rated and more attack-minded Haris Vu?ki?. The Slovenian teenager impressed on his first Premier League start against West Brom last month.It would be naïve to write off Newcastle as a two-man team. Pardew has already achieved a lot with the club and this is their best start to a League campaign in 17 years. Ba and Tiote are certainly key components of the side but the manager does have the rest of January available should he choose to bring in reinforcements.
Crucially though, Newcastle must keep their momentum going if they are to continue pressurizing the League’s top sides for a European place.
0 votes
