The 24-year-old Frenchman made his first competitive appearance for the club since suffering a double leg fracture at Manchester City in October last year in the 4-3 Carling Cup third-round victory at the City Ground. Ben Arfa, whose return was delayed further by an ankle ligament injury picked up in pre-season, lasted 70 minutes and showed flashes of the talent which persuaded manager Alan Pardew to tie up a permanent deal for him in January despite never having seen him play at first hand. Ben Arfa told the Evening Chronicle: "All the year I worked so hard to come back and I'm very happy to be on the pitch now. "It was very hard for me and I'm very happy to be back. I hope we do very good things this season. "I'm very happy to see the supporters again and I thank them for all the encouragement last year. "It was hard for me, but they sent me messages and I want to thank them. "I feel very good. I have confidence and I feel I will do very good things now. I'm ready to play now. I hope we continue like this." Ben Arfa was back on the bench by the time the real drama unfolded at Forest with the tie having gone into extra time at 2-2. Danny Simpson's fluke third for the visitors looked to have seen them through, but Marcus Tudgay levelled with 115 minutes gone before Magpies skipper Fabricio Coloccini headed home a winner at the death.
