Er, well, you've just lost your best player permanently. If that doesn't/didn't have any sort of impact on the team then blimey, you've got a hell of a team spirit and mentality.
Carroll was going to be out for some time anyway... and judging by Nolan's reaction I wouldn't be worrying too much. At least we know Steven Taylor is happier
I know he was going to be injured, but that doesn't mean players won't have been affected. Pardew will do well to get the players right up for this one. A point would be a very good result in my view.