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Gouffran's Debut Delight
Written by Newcastle Utd
Debutant Yoan Gouffran spoke to nufc.co.uk after helping Newcastle beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Tuesday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Debutant Yoan Gouffran praised the battling qualities of his new teammates after Newcastle United picked up their first away win of the season on Tuesday night.
Papiss Cisse and Yohan Cabaye fired the Magpies to a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa, although they were forced onto the back foot for much of the second half as the hosts tried to claw themselves back into the contest.
Handed a starting role on the left-hand side of an attacking line-up, it was a first showing in a black and white striped shirt for Gouffran, who joined from Bordeaux last week.
The forward showed encouraging signs of the attacking quality he will bring to United's ranks, and was delighted to make a winning start.
"It was a fantastic game for us," Gouffran told nufc.co.uk in an exclusive interview.
"The manager really prepared us well in understanding the importance of this game.
"We knew it was going to be a battle but we all wanted to come away from here with a victory and that's what we did. We battled hard for it and deserved the three points.
"We made a great start. To go two-up before half-time we felt pretty comfortable.
"However, we knew that in English football you can never relax because the team who is behind doesn't give in.
"Aston Villa pulled one back but we defended well and worked really hard for the result. This was a great lesson for us."
And Gouffran had a final word about the 2,500-plus away following which travelled to Villa Park and sung their hearts out throughout a memorable victory.
"They were magnificent, absolutely superb," said the forward.
"You just don't get that sort of support in France. It really helped us and was amazing to see. I hope they are like that every week!"
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