ALAN Pardew believes Newcastle United missed Hatem Ben Arfa more than Andy Carroll at Anfield yesterday.

The Gateshead-born striker made his first appearance against his local club in a comfortable 3-0 win for his new side. He was subjected to a barrage of abuse from the away supporters, still unhappy that he had “let down his city” when joining Liverpool for £35million in January.

But it was the other forward Liverpool signed in January, Uruguayan Luis Suarez, who impressed, scoring the third goal and winning the penalty for the second.

In Ben Arfa, who broke his leg at Manchester City in October, Pardew believes he has a player with similar match-winning qualities.

When asked if the loss of Carroll had undermined his team, Newcastle’s manager replied: “The loss of Ben Arfa maybe. Suarez is what Ben Arfa can do for us. He was brought in as a link player and would provide that link play that Suarez gives Liverpool.

“That is more important than the impact Carroll had on the game, which was minimal.”

In Carroll’s defence, he was held back until the 70th minute, having been an injury doubt in the build-up with a thigh strain. He came on minutes after Suarez put the result beyond doubt, finishing a pass from Maxi Rodriguez. The real damage had been done earlier as the Magpies were punished for mistakes. Mike Williamson played his part in both of Liverpool’s first two goals.

The centre-back’s poor clearing header was hit into the net by Rodriguez with a Danny Simpson deflection. After 58 minutes his foul on Suarez brought a penalty Dirk Kuyt converted.

“The second goal was crucial in the game,” Pardew reflected. “After a fast start by Liverpool, their first shot, that was not the best of starts for us. We played well in that period because we took the emphasis away from them.