Alan Pardew: "Was he committed to the cause? Unfortunately that was not the case – he did not want to be here.
“Jose made it clear he wanted to move on and it was going to happen.
“I am glad it has happened now.
“If it had happened on the 28th or 29th of August it would have been harder.
“In that respect we have no excuses not to replace him – and we will replace him.
“Bringing in a new left-back is in process, but I doubt whether we will get him in time for tomorrow.
“So we will have to get through this game.
“Arsenal are not such a dissimilar position themselves – Fabregas will not be there and Nasir may not either.
“We just have to make sure the team we put out is focused and mentally right."