Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew thanked his board for the work they did in bringing a handful of new players to the club this winter.
Moussa Sissoko produced an assist whilst Yoan Gouffran, Mathieu Debuchy and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa all contributed to the Magpies' 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Tuesday night and Pardew was thrilled with the way his new additions performed.
"There has been a lot of work and effort to get that win, not just from the staff and the players, but the directors and [Newcastle managing director] Derek Llambias," said Pardew.
"It was obvious when Demba Ba went, in the position we were in, it was a blow to the personality of the team. But the new players have given us a lift.
"Sissoko was magnificent in the first half. He is going to be a powerful player in the Premier League.
"Sissoko made a difference today with his power and control, and he helped Papiss, who has been a bit isolated, especially since Demba left.
"I have always had my eye on him. That's a nice little aperitif that he showed tonight."
