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Many Happy Returns For Gouffran
Written by Newcastle Utd
Yoan Gouffran speaks after going back to the ground where he made his Newcastle debut - and scoring the winner for Alan Pardew's side
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Villa Park holds happy memories for Yoan Gouffran, for he made his Newcastle United debut there back in January.
And the Frenchman now has even more reason to be fond of the famous old ground after coming from the bench to score the Magpies' winner against Paul Lambert's Aston Villa side on Saturday.
When Brad Guzan could only parry Hatem Ben Arfa's strike, Gouffran was there to confidently side-foot home for his fourth goal for the Club.
It helped Alan Pardew's team record a second successive victory in the Barclays Premier League and a first away league win of the campaign. Ironically, United's first away success of last term also came at Villa Park - but that was in late January.
"It's very important to win away because last year we won just two games," Gouffran said as he spoke exclusively to nufc.co.uk. "This year we want to do better than last year.
"Last year when we came, we won 2-1 and I think it's a good ground for Newcastle! It was a great victory and it's a great pitch for us.
"I'm very happy because it's an important goal and after this goal, we won."
The arrival of Loic Remy has increased competition for places up front, and the on-loan Queens Park Rangers man made a good impression on his full bow.
But Gouffran reminded everybody what he can do with a lively performance after his introduction, capped with his winning goal.
"Loic did a great game and my job is done because the gaffer told me when I came on the pitch that I can score," he said.
"So it was great for me."
Click here to buy a Newcastle United shirt with Gouffran's name and number on the back