Alan Pardew: “I wouldn’t say we are favourites because they have got good counter-attacking abilities in the team, but it’s going to be a very different game at St James’ Park.
“But we really need to set it up on Sunday [against Stoke]. Sunday is something we need to put right.
“If we can get a win there, then I think the mood in our stadium is going to be something that’s going to be very difficult for Anzhi to cope with.
“We didn’t really have to fight the crowd today, and that probably helped us to settle.
"Ben Arfa played in an unaccustomed striking role.
"It’s something I have thought about in the past with Hatem because if I was a central defender, he’s the last person I would want to get possession in and around the box.
“He obviously isn’t 100 per cent fit, but he still put a really good shift in today. He actually lasted longer than I thought.
“Dropping deep and Moussa [Sissoko] going in behind, I think it’s a nice option, and if we lose Cisse any time between now and the end of the year, I will look at it again.
“I think it worked okay and certainly when he us up to speed - and I don’t think it’s going to take him long - he can play that role, no problem.
“We got what we deserved tonight. We came and gave a really disciplined display.
“Rob 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.”