Newcastle’s ‘Messi’ to hunt Arsenal and Spurs

Newcastle United have Arsenal in their sights.

And they claim to have the weapon to hunt the Gunners down.

With Tottenham Hotspur reeling under a dip in form, fourth place is up for grabs and even third-placed  Arsenal might be under threat.

The Magpies’ weapon is Hatem Ben Arfa, now called the Tyneside Lionel Messi, according to Newcastle team-mate Papiss Cisse.

The French midfielder set up the Cisse for two goals and scored the other in his man-of-the-match performance as the Magpies beat West Brom 3-1 at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

Manager Alan Pardew said his side played “champagne football” as they drew level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea.

And Cisse said, “He is a great player with a great range of skills,” said the £9million forward. 

“Sometimes with the ball at his feet, he is like Lionel Messi. The ball really sticks to his feet.”

Newcastle hope to have Cheick Tiote back for Sunday’s visit of Liverpool, but captain Fabricio Coloccini has joined the injury list with a hamstring strain.