Ba fires City warning shot

Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has fired a warning shot to Manchester City by boasting that his side will bring City’s title bid to a halt.

The two sides meet on Sunday at the Sports Direct Arena, with Roberto Mancini’s men looking to secure their position at the top of the Premier League with a win, while Alan Pardew’s side are still pushing for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

The Senegal international striker told The Sun on Sunday: “We are in no mood to surrender the points with so much at stake.

“City are in for a tough afternoon because we’re determined to win the game and boost our chances of Champions League football.

“Nobody can expect to play us at home and have an easy time – regardless of whether they are chasing the title or not.”

Following Arsenal’s drawn game with Norwich on Saturday, Newcastle will overtake the Gunners with victory over Manchester City.

However, fourth-placed Tottenham are also on 65 points – two below Arsenal – and could edge the Magpies out of third spot on goal difference if they win at Aston Villa and Newcastle beat City.