Ba's

"I think Stoke are going to need a bigger towel," says Ian Copestake.87 min: Since Ba's third goal, Newcastle's fans have been chanting for the magnificently clownish Sammy Ameobi to come on.

Stoke City v Newcastle United - as it happened | Jacob Steinberg 2011

Ba's speed was far too much for Shawcross, but his touch was just too heavy, allowing Begovic to sprawl at his feet and smother the ball.

Stoke City v Newcastle United - as it happened | Jacob Steinberg 2011

Ba's background should offer real hope to late developers everywhere.

Demba Ba believes fun is the key to fizzing for Newcastle United | Louise Taylor 2011

Pulis was left to bemoan the poor defending that preceded Ba's first two goals on an evening when Stoke looked like a team struggling to cope with the relentless demands of competing in Europe and the Premier League.

Stoke City 1-3 Newcastle United | Premier League match report 2011

Demba Ba's disposition is so unfailingly sunny and his accuracy in front of goal so unerring that he has been dubbed the "Smiling Assassin" by team-mates at Newcastle United.

Demba Ba believes fun is the key to fizzing for Newcastle United | Louise Taylor 2011

Ba's evident pleasure in life on Tyneside is spiced by seeing his name looming large in the Premier League scoring charts alongside rather more vaunted peers such as Sergio Agüero, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

Demba Ba believes fun is the key to fizzing for Newcastle United | Louise Taylor 2011

It is safe to assume the north-east weather did not loom overly large during Ba's attempts to sell the idea of joining Alan Pardew's side, now placed fifth, to his friend.

Demba Ba says he is not looking to leave Newcastle United 2012

Ba's bright smile seems a little more radiant now that he has been joined by his compatriot, Papiss Demba Cissé, the new owner of Newcastle's No9 shirt, worn by Alan Shearer, Malcolm Macdonald and Jackie Milburn.

Demba Ba says he is not looking to leave Newcastle United 2012

The Newcastle manager thought Cheik Tioté had won the ball fairly when he was penalised for the free-kick from which Craig Bellamy scored Liverpool's second goal, then Newcastle were denied an equaliser when Martin Skrtel reacted brilliantly to turn Demba Ba's goalbound shot off the line and prevent an equaliser.

Kenny Dalglish delighted with Liverpool's three goals from few chances 2011

Tony Pulis called Demba Ba's knees a "ticking timebomb" when Stoke tried to sign him in January.

Stoke City v Newcastle United - as it happened | Jacob Steinberg 2011