Ben Arfa mixes good with bad

Newcastle United 1 Fulham 0

The Fulham manager might like to pass on the information gleaned to his defenders, who seemed at a loss as to how to stop the Frenchman, who for all his faults remains a talent who simply can’t be ignored.

The contest appeared destined for the kind of stalemate guest of honour Franco Baresi, the Italian defensive legend on Tyneside to plug Steve Harper’s upcoming 20-year testimonial, would approve of — both goals intact and back fours on top.