Ben Arfa wants to start more games

Hatem Ben Arfa celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle (Getty Images)

The Newcastle United forward Hatem Ben Arfa wants more first-team chances, after his goal in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Monday proved he is finally hitting a sustained period of form.

"I want to start games – every player wants that," said the Frenchman, who also performed well as a substitute against Sunderland last week. "I was very happy to start and I am very happy to be on the pitch. I hope to do much more for the team when I am on the pitch. I am doing everything I can."

Ben Arfa has struggled to make a first-team place his own after suffering a double leg fracture last season, and has had to cope with the arrival of the Senegalese centre-forward Papiss Demba Cissé during the January transfer window.