Premier League: Newcastle 2 Bolton 0

Newcastle United’s charge for a UEFA Champions League berth continued as they beat Bolton 2-0 in the English Premier League on Monday.

Newcastle’s fifth league win in succession saw them move to fifth on the table, behind fourth-placed Tottenham on goal difference only.

And with Arsenal, who sit third, just two points above Alan Pardew’s side, a top-three finish – which would guarantee entry into the UEFA Champions League group stage next season – is a genuine possibility.

Monday’s triumph at the Sports Direct Arena did not come easy though, with Hatem Ben Arfa’s sensational solo effort and Papiss Demba Cisse’s close-range finish coming in the final 20 minutes against a stubborn Bolton side.

A lacklustre start from Newcastle suited Bolton, who were happy to sit back and soak up as much pressure as possible.

Demba Ba was denied by a combination of his own first touch and the linesman’s flag while Bolton defender Tim Ream did well to deny Cisse an early sight on goal.

A Ben Arfa free-kick on 38 minutes was punched clear by Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan but the ball dangerously rebounded off Ricketts and just wide.

Darren Pratley had the best chance of the first half for the visitors, but he headed straight at Tim Krul from close range as both sides went into the break level at 0-0.

Krul was again called on early in the second half, with Chris Eagles unlucky to see his smart move thwarted by the Dutch goalkeeper’s terrific save with his legs.

Mark Davies scuffed an attempt on goal from a neat Kevin Davies cross and Bolton were looking the more likely of the two sides.

Newcastle needed something special and Ben Arfa delivered in style.

The Frenchman won the ball in his own half, produced a back heel to turn past Sam Ricketts and then beat Mark Davies, David Wheater and Ream as he majestically strolled up the pitch.

Ben Arfa kept his composure before coolly slotting the ball past Bogdan to spark celebrations in the home end.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle immediately shuffled his pack, introducing attackers Ryo Miyaichi, David Ngog and Ivan Klasnic into the fray in the hope of an equaliser.

It was Newcastle who scored next though, with substitute Shola Ameobi leaving Cisse little to do to seal the result.

Ameobi’s pinpoint cross from the right needed just a tap-in, and Cisse provided it, scoring his 10th goal in nine matches for his new club.

The result was cruel on Bolton, who sit just one point above the relegation zone in 16th, but the day belonged to Newcastle as they marched closer to sealing Champions League qualification for the first time since 2003-04.