New Delhi: Manchester City played their second consecutive draw in this Premier League season as the reigning champions ended their matchday six with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at St. James Park. Coming into the game without Rodri, who is out with an injury, City never looked confident and weren’t at their best from the kickoff.
The Magpies had put Man City in a place of worry during the first half, having broken the visitors’ formation. For most of the first 45 minutes, City’s effort was below par. However, a brilliant goal from Josko Gvardiol put City ahead in the 35th minute, with an equally brilliant assist into the box from Jack Grealish. Gvardiol had a brilliant outing overall, with 85% pass accuracy. City defended well as Newcastle kept testing them throughout the first half of the game.
City had initially started the second half in a more dominating fashion, but they were not creating enough chances, and Newcastle took the opportunity of the City’s defensive game. In the 58th minute, Anthony Gordon won the Magpies a penalty after Ederson pulled him down. Gordon equalised, sending the City goalkeeper the wrong way for the home side.
A well earned point at St. James’ Park! 💪 pic.twitter.com/JliZfMBp8S
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 28, 2024
City had 12 shots on with four on target, whilst Newcastle had just ten shots with four on target. The visitors had 61 per cent of the possession. In retrospect, Newcastle would be happy taking home a point and entering the top five in the points table of the Premier, though they were looking to take away maximum points after the equalizer.
For City, quite a few of their tactical plans didn’t click in the match, with their squad clearly missing the services of one of the best midfielders in Europe. Erling Haaland, though, looked threatening in patches and almost scored on a couple of occasions, but this will be the first game this season where he didn’t score. Credit should go to Nick Pope, who managed to thwart any threat from the Man City start.
City looked a little more threatening once Phil Foden was introduced to replace Ilkay Gundogan in the 66th minute, but the hosts were able to keep the match at a stalemate. In the truest sense, Anthony Gordon rose to the occasion in a game that lacked the services of Alex Isak and inspired a good fightback from Newcastle in the second half after going into the break 1-0. The draw ensures that the Magpies have 11 points to their name and are just three points from the top spot.
Newcastle will next face Everton in the Premier League at Goodison Park on matchday seven, while Man City will be back at their home ground, Etihad Stadium, and will take on Fulham.
Anthony Gordon’s goal takes Newcastle enter top five in Premier League points table, as Manchester City fails to take maximum points in back-to-back games. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
