On Saturday at the Etihad stadium, Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over Newcastle with Phil Foden scoring again, thus reducing the gap between themselves and current Premier League leaders Arsenal to just two points.
Manchester City Extend Winning Streak Against Newcastle United
Manchester City extended their winning streak against Newcastle United in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The win keeps City firmly in the title race and puts a serious dent in Newcastle’s hopes of finishing in the top four.
Phil Foden’s Wonder Goal
Phil Foden opened the scoring for City just 15 minutes into the game. The 22-year-old dribbled past a series of Newcastle players before firing a shot towards the goal. Sven Botman inadvertently deflected Foden’s shot into the back of the net. The strike took Foden to nine Premier League goals this season, which is the joint-best tally he’s reached in a campaign.
Newcastle’s Defense Tested
Newcastle arrived with the best defense in the division, but no away side has kept a clean sheet in a Premier League game at the Etihad this season. City was immediately on the front foot, with Ilkay Gundogan heading onto the roof of the net from a Jack Grealish cross inside a minute.
Within 15 minutes, City was ahead, and it was wonderful play from Phil Foden. The strike took Foden to nine Premier League goals this season, which is the joint-best tally he’s reached in a campaign. Newcastle almost responded immediately, but Sean Longstaff delayed a fraction too long, and Nathan Ake made a crucial block. There would be a second big moment in the City box in the first half, with Callum Wilson badly miscuing just before the break.
City’s Second Goal
Newcastle made a steady start to the second half, though, and a triple change from boss Eddie Howe on 62 minutes almost had an instant impact. Substitute Joe Willock came close to scoring, but Joelinton just missed connecting with the ball. Moments later, Ruben Dias and Ederson had to block another new arrival, Alexander Isak.
However, it was ultimately a City change that made the difference. Bernardo Silva came off the bench to score the decisive second goal in the 67th minute. Haaland passed the ball to Silva, and the Portuguese’s touch and finish will go down as City’s 1000th Premier League goal at home.
Newcastle’s Wastefulness
Newcastle had their moments, with Sean Longstaff’s shot blocked and Callum Wilson miscuing in the first half before Willock and Isak threatened after the break. But it was ultimately their wastefulness in front of goal that cost them the match. They have no wins in their last five Premier League games and have only scored two goals in those fixtures.
Newcastle had been unbeaten in their last eight away games, but their poor record at Man City continues. They have never won in the league at this stadium and, less than a week on from their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United, their 14th Premier League loss on the spin at the Etihad has dealt a blow to their top-four hopes.
City’s Defensive Milestone
The clean sheet was Ederson’s 100th in the Premier League, which is a significant milestone for the Brazilian goalkeeper. Ederson and his City teammates will now have an eye on the Arsenal vs. Bournemouth game, which kicks off at 3 pm.
Final Thoughts
Manchester City continues to dominate the Premier League with their impressive winning streak against Newcastle United. Phil Foden’s wonder goal and Bernardo Silva’s decisive second goal sealed the victory for City. Newcastle had their chances but were wasteful in front of goal, which ultimately cost them the match. City’s win keeps them firmly in the title race, while Newcastle’s hopes of finishing in the top four have taken a significant hit.