SEASON THIAW AIN'T OVER YET

MALICK THIAW feels that Newcastle's battling display at the Etihad proves they are very much up for the fight in the Premier League run-in.

- BY LEE RYDER

MALICK THIAW feels that Newcastle's battling display at the Etihad proves they are very much up for the fight in the Premier League run-in.

The Magpies are still well off the pace in terms of qualifying for the Champions League and lie nine points adrift of the top five.

But their run in the Champions League remains very much intact and the FA Cup fifth round is just around the corner against Manchester City, only this time with home advantage.

Newcastle went toe to toe with Pep Guardiola's side, with Erling Haaland left rattled.