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ALEX FERGUSON last night suffered a nightmare at Newcastle and admitted: It's advantage Manchester City. Shell-shocked Fergie saw his title tilt severely dented after Yohan Cabaye's stunning second-half free-kick helped send Manchester United to back-to-back defeats. That leaves arch-rivals City three points clear at the top. The Red Devils boss admitted: "Of course it's advantage Manchester City. We don't normally lose two on the bounce. "It's no time to panic though. We have experience to cope with losing a game. We have to get the show on the road for the run-in in March and April." Wonder goals from red-hot Demba Ba and Cabaye either side of half-time rocked the champs before a late Phil Jones own goal rubbed salt into the wounds. It is the first time United have failed to score this season � and their first league defeat on the road. Before last night, the Red Devils had conceded just three Prem goals in nine away games. Ferguson added: "We started reasonably well but they scored a fantastic goal. "They got aggressive and made it difficult. It was a marvellous hit by Ba and the second one was a killer but we didn't make enough of our possession." BA, who scored his 15th goal of the season before leaving for African Nations Cup duty with Senegal, and Shola Ameobi terrorised United's defence. Midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote was another to star for the hosts � and he is also playing in the same tournament for Ivory Coast. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said: "I'm not going to hide away that Cheick and Demba were the two outstanding displays for us. "We are going to miss them but what a way to go out. "Outside of Demba's goal, his all-round performance was outstanding. It was as good as a performance he has put in for us." The Tynesiders moved within four points of fourth-placed Chelsea after posting their first home win since November 5.