'He was a warrior' Remembering former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote five years on

Today marks five years since the passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote.

Adored on Tyneside by the Toon Army, Tiote passed away in 2017 after he collapsed during a training session while playing for Chinese side Beijing Enterprises.

The Ivorian scored the famous equaliser in the Premier League's greatest ever comeback, which saw Newcastle come from 4-0 down at home against Arsenal to draw 4-4.

Tiote's strike is one of the most storied goals in Newcastle United's history. A free-kick into the box from Joey Barton was cleared away by Arsenal late on in the contest, with the Gunners believing they'd cleared their lines.

However, Tiote was waiting on the end of the clearance, striking a perfect first time volley from the edge of the box past Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Beloved by fans, team mates, coaches and opponents, ChronicleLive takes a look back at how fondly Tiote is remembered by those who knew him best.

Alan Pardew managed Tiote between 2010-2014 which saw the Ivorian play his best football at Newcastle. It was Pardew who was in the dugout for the 4-4 draw, which saw Newcastle nearly snatch all three points late on through captain Kevin Nolan.

Nolan dragged his shot just wide, something which Pardew reflects upon as a positive when looking back at the dramatic affair.

"Kevin Nolan could have won it for us at the end," Pardew told ChronicleLive about that famous 4-4 draw in 2011.

"It would have been the best Premier League comeback ever but, in a way, I’m now glad he didn’t because the goal highlighted Cheick and his personality to a tee.

"I can still see him wheeling away all aggressive before he broke into that enormous smile, which illuminated the whole stadium and became an iconic