Sylvain All Smiles After Marv-ellous Display

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Watching him pull the strings in the middle of the park on Monday night, it was hard to believe that Sylvain Marveaux had started just one Premier League game so far this season.

But the French playmaker was given a chance from the off against Wigan at St. James' Park, and grabbed his opportunity with both hands as the Magpies ran out 3-0 winners.

Marveaux was influential in the victory, setting up Gael Bigirimana's third goal, which followed a Demba Ba double, and he could have netted a couple himself were it not for decent saves from Latics keeper Ali Al Habsi.

Speaking to nufc.co.uk following the final whistle, the former Rennes man clearly enjoyed his evening's work playing in the 'number ten' role behind lone striker Ba.

"I haven't played many games in the Premier League, so it was good to be on the pitch from the start and to play 90 minutes," he explained.

"To be a part of a win like that gives me great pleasure.

"That is my favourite position, so I was happy to play there tonight.

"Now I am just looking forward to the next game. This is only one match so I hope I can build on this and play a lot of games and get us more wins."

Monday's win put an end to a run of four successive Premier League defeats and lifted United to within touching distance of the top half of the table.

"It was very important because after losing four games we had to win at home," said Marveaux.

"We deserved more at Stoke but tonight we worked hard as a team, we kept our confidence and it was a good win.

"It was a lot easier after the penalty and the red card but we did everything to get the second and third goals."

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