Loads of Newcastle United fans have been remembering Hatem Ben Arfa after his solo effort against Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League back in April 2012 was shared by FUN88 on Twitter (retweeted by the club’s official page).
The French international ran all of 70 yards with the ball, starting from his own half, gliding past the Wanderers’ central midfield and defence before calmly slotting home into the bottom corner past Adam Bogdan, as per the BBC. The Magpies won the game 2-0 with Papiss Cisse scoring after being assisted by substitute Shola Ameobi. The result put Newcastle level on points with Tottenham Hotspur, who occupied fourth place.
That game was under Alan Pardew, for whom Ben Arfa made 82 appearances under in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing a further 16 assists, according to Transfermarkt. Unfortunately for the 33-year old, his time under the manager was limited by injury, missing 47 matches through various problems with his hamstring, tibia, ankle and groin.
One supporter claims that Ben Arfa was ‘mismanaged by Pardew’ despite his decent stats under the Englishman. Meanwhile another remembered his ‘lightning’ speed. These members of the Toon Army gave their thoughts on his goal:
I was at this game, what a goal
— House of Tides (@Kennyatkinson1) April 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheRealThorcast/status/1247089469322416129
His goal against Blackburn was even better. Great player when he wanted to be. Totally mismanaged by pardew imo
— Paul E-R (@PaulER35846239) April 6, 2020
He was lightning like – from getting the ball from halfway to scoring was about seven seconds ⚡
— Simon Atkinson (@simonatkinson86) April 6, 2020
Best goal I’ve seen live
— Rob Fish (@Fishydog) April 6, 2020
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