Ben Arfa can be one of the best

PICTURE: AP

Newcastle looked bereft of energy and spark for most of last night's match against Bolton.

But then Hatem Ben Arfa stepped up and provided a moment of magic that put the Magpies on the path of a 2-0 win. Slaloming past player after player, he scored a contender for Goal of the Season.

While he isn't in the top bracket of players in the English Premier League, I think with Newcastle moving forward the Frenchman has a chance to realise his potential since I watched him as a 15-year-old.

But I feel Newcastle will find qualification to the Champions League a step too far because of their thin squad. The surprise team of the EPL will have to settle for Europa League football instead.