Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew was delighted with Vurnon Anita's performance in defeat to Manchester City.

Pardew felt the midfielder was their best performer on the day.

Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "He understands the pace now. Yaya Toure and Anita were the best two players on Saturday.

"In that company, it just shows he can play at the top level and that is why we brought him to the club.

"We are missing big, big players to play with him, unfortunately."