Newcastle down Aston Villa

Newcastle - Senegal striker Papiss Demba Cisse enjoyed a dream debut for Newcastle as his second-half strike secured a 2-1 win against Aston Villa at St James' Park on Sunday.

Alan Pardew's side took the lead through Cisse's compatriot Demba Ba, who marked his return from African Nations Cup duty with his 16th goal of the season in the 30th minute.

Robbie Keane, on loan from LA Galaxy, equalised for Villa deep into first half stoppage-time.

Cisse, who was only available due to Senegal's earlier than expected exit from the African Nations Cup, had come on as a first half replacement for the injured Leon Best.

He bagged the winner in his first appearance since his 10 million transfer from German club Freiburg with a powerful finish past Shay Given in the 71st minute.

The Magpies climbed above Arsenal into fifth place, level on points with fourth placed Chelsea, thanks to Cisse's heroics.

"I will remember this day because of the goal and I will work hard to get many more days like this," Cisse said.

"I didn't even think that it was a beautiful goal, I was just happy to see the ball cross the line."

Manchester United can move level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City if they can secure a rare win at Chelsea in Sunday's late game.