Pardew actually made them worse players.
He did. I think there can perhaps be a case for Cabaye being improved but he actually started really well and maintained that, allowing for up's and down's of form, throughout. If you had to give Pardew something then he enabled a good transition into British football though, I guess.
That's being generous.
What Rafa has done with so many others is marvellous. The difference a genuine coach makes is night and day.
The difference is so stark because not only have we had some of the worst managers in PL history recently, but Rafa is also one of the best coaches in the world.