Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew was pleased with goal scorer Hatem Ben Arfa in defeat at Fulham.

Ben Arfa provided the Magpies with their only moment of magic as he curled home a great strike to stun Craven Cottage fans.

Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "He was short of match fitness, and I thought he struggled in the early part of the game to pick up the pace.

"However, he had some great moments.

"He was tiring and I had to remove him.

"It was a terrific goal and that is what he can create."