Alan Pardew has played down comments made by Hatem Ben Arfa over the midfielder's role at the club.

Ben Arfa, who has only started three league games this season, expressed his displeasure at the situation earlier this week and also said that he does not share Pardew's football philosophy.

"I don't think any player at any football club is going to say that their philosophy is the same as the manager," said Pardew.

"As you grow as a player you learn that you can have a different kind of formula to win games.

"We have played to Hatem's formula a couple of times and we have done okay. When he plays in the side, we have to pass the ball more and play it in to him more. He will get his opportunity to show what he can do."

Ben Arfa was on the bench when Newcastle defeated Manchester United 3-0 on Wednesday.