Skip to content

Premier League: Papiss Cisse could hold Newcastle key for Alan Pardew

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06:  Papiss Cisse of Newcastle (r) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League mat
Image: Papiss Cisse: Scored two goals against Chelsea last Saturday.

Alan Pardew believes Papiss Cisse could provide the key at the Emirates as Newcastle look to continue their excellent run of form and conquer Arsenal on Saturday.

Cisse has scored seven goals for the Magpies this season and will be looking to build on his performance against Chelsea last weekend when he came off the bench and netted twice in a thrilling 2-1 victory at St James’ Park.

Newcastle can leapfrog sixth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table with a win and Pardew is confident the Senegal international will be able to make an impact once again. 

“Papiss is one of those priceless players,” he said. “At the moment he is red-hot and if we give him the chances I feel pretty confident he will take them.

At the moment he is red-hot and if we give him the chances I feel pretty confident he will take them.
Alan Pardew

"Every team needs a goalscorer who can get you a goal and turn a game. Sometimes you might not be dominating a game and then someone like Papiss comes along and gives you a lift."

Cisse had a poor start in the league this season and struggled with his form until late September.

It was against Hull where he reignited his goal-scoring prowess when he came off the bench and scored two goals to rescue a point for the Magpies. 

More from Arsenal V Newcastle

Live Ford Saturday Night Football

But Pardew remained vigilant over his striker’s form and admitted he was wary of a knee injury that ruled Cisse out towards the end of last season.

"We have had to manage his knee and it is an ongoing process," said Pardew. "From now until the summer we will have to be careful with him. But by the time we get to the summer it will all be over."

On Saturday, Pardew will be hampered by suspensions and injures, with Moussa Sissoko and Steven Taylor both ruled out due to suspension.

The Newcastle manager will also be without Rolando Aarons through a hamstring injury and second-choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot who was injured against Chelsea.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jamie Redknapp looks ahead to Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Newcastle.

Elliot’s absence will give 21-year-old Jak Alnwick, who came on at half-time against the Blues, the chance to shine again, an opportunity which he believes the youngster must seize.

"Robbie will be out for six to eight games so it is a great opportunity for Jak and he is very keen to take it,” said Pardew.

"He has had a great start and fitted in very well. He has worked very hard in the background but never had an opportunity. I have great faith in him but he will need a lot of luck as well.

"He is in a great position - if he plays really well in the next seven games it makes it more difficult for us when it comes to contract negotiations. That is definitely in Jak's court."

Watch Arsenal v Newcastle live on Sky Sports 1 at 5.30pm on Saturday.

Around Sky