Alan Pardew: “I thought (Mapou) was the outstanding player on the night.
“He’s so quick over the ground, and strong. He won’t let strikers get it comfortably. He was probably our standout player.
“We’re so much stronger in depth – I think that’s evident. Massadio and Mapou really and truly are pushing for first-team places, and they proved that.
“Rob (Elliot) had to make two good saves, and really and truly, if someone had said that to me before the game, I would have taken that.
“That’s a really good display in the conditions and environment we were in.
“(Sylvain) Marveaux is beginning to push as well, and that’s what you want. You want your best players pushed.
“I am hoping our team will be stronger on Thursday in the return, but I have got to get a result against Stoke.
“I’ve got to get a positive result to give me the freedom to do that. I don’t really want to go to Wigan (on March 17) on the back of a defeat by Stoke.”