Alan Pardew hails 'unplayable' Hatem Ben Arfa

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has showered Hatem Ben Arfa with praise following his side's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

Ben Arfa gave his side a first-half lead and Yoan Gouffran secured victory after Christian Benteke had equalised.

"Hatem Ben Arfa got a lot of headlines last time he scored against Fulham but I thought he did just okay then," the Newcastle manager told BBC Sport. "He was unplayable [against Villa]. Hatem was on fire.

"He has the ability to hold on to the ball and give us a rest, then burst past one or two players.

"If he can get consistency, not only will he be a threat for us, but a threat for France at the World Cup."

The result lifts Newcastle United up to eighth place in the Premier League table.