Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was left "delighted" with his side's 2-1 FA Cup third round win against Blackburn Rovers.

Jonas Gutierrez's late strike earned the Magpies the win at the Sports Direct Arena after Hatem Ben Arfa had cancelled out David Goodwillie's opener.

"We are absolutely delighted to be in the draw for round four," Pardew said.

"Blackburn knocked us out in the League Cup and we were still smarting from that so it was nice to get them back for that. It was a really important win for us.

"Some of our play today was outstanding."

Pardew was also full of praise for Ben Arfa's goal, which came after a mazy run by the Frenchman.

"It is technically the greatest goal I have ever seen. You can smash them in from 40 yards but to score a goal like that you have to be a special talent and it was an unbelievable goal and I am really pleased for Hatem," he added.

Newcastle resume their domestic duties next Sunday at home to Queens Park Rangers.