Magpies ease to victory

Newcastle stepped up their claims for a European spot after an inspired first-half display from Hatem Ben Arfa helped seal a 3-1 victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns.

Ben Arfa scored once himself and set up two more goals for striker Papiss Cisse during an opening 45 minutes dominated by Alan Pardew's side.

Albion could only manage a solitary second-half reply from substitute Shane Long as victory moved the Magpies level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea.

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