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Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle: Phil Foden and super substitute Bernardo Silva lead Pep Guardiola’s side to victory as they cut the gap on leaders Arsenal to two points after beating the Magpies
- Foden got past four defenders before finishing off a deflection to convert his fourth goal in three games.
- Newcastle had chances to level through Callum Wilson and Joelinton but were unable to mount a shot on goal
- Manchester City sealed the points with a Bernardo Silva goal shortly after coming on as a substitute
- Eddie Howe’s Magpies have gained a reputation for wasting time and again there were lengthy stoppages.
- City also squandered opportunities, particularly when Haaland went up well on Kevin De Bruyne’s cross but headed it wide.
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Phil Foden scored a remarkable solo goal to set up Manchester City’s victory and extend their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.
Foden overcame four defenders before finishing past a Sven Botman deflection to convert his fourth goal in three games since returning to Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up.
Although Newcastle had chances to level through Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Alexander Isak, they were still unable to mount a shot on goal before City sealed the points with Bernardo Silva’s shot shortly after he came on as a substitute.
Guardiola was strong with the City line-up, while Eddie Howe turned to club captain Jamaal Lascelles in Fabian Schar’s absence via concussion protocols.
Newcastle had been beaten in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester United last weekend and suffered another setback, falling behind after 15 minutes.
Phil Foden scored an outstanding solo goal to set up Manchester City’s victory and extend their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.
Foden overcame four defenders before finishing through a Sven Botman deflection to convert his fourth goal in three games since returning to Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up.
City sealed the points with a Bernardo Silva goal shortly after coming on as a substitute
There seemed little danger when Foden collected a pass from Rodri down the right wing, but from there the England international showed a touch of genius.
He sped up to pass Dan Burn, slipped away from the pursuing Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes and applied the knockout blow by cutting into Botman’s outstretched boot.
Poor Botman seemed completely upset that he had given Marcus Rashford a goal at Wembley with a deflection.
Newcastle had to weather a storm to stop falling behind and Lascelles did a great job pulling Erling Haaland off the ball as he chased down a pass from Kevin De Bruyne.
Eddie Howe’s team have earned a reputation for wasting time this season and again there were lengthy interruptions for treatment for Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.
The visitors may have felt their tactics were justified if they had taken a chance. But Wilson misjudged the six-yard rebound, revealing why he’s only scored once since October.
When he was finally hooked, Alexander Isak looked more dangerous, but was prevented by Nathan Ake’s tackle and then Ederson’s block in the same run. Joelinton also missed a side foot to score as Toon’s scoring record worsened to three in eight league games.
There seemed little danger when Foden collected a pass from Rodri down the right wing, but from there the England international showed a touch of genius.
Pep Guardiola sent Bernardo Silva for De Bruyne in the 65th minute and there was an instant dividend
Eddie Howe’s team have earned a reputation for wasting time this season and again there were lengthy interruptions for treatment Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff
Although Newcastle had chances to level through Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Alexander Isak, they still couldn’t mount a shot on goal.
The Sky Blues also missed chances, particularly when Erling Haaland rose well from Kevin De Bruyne’s cross but shot wide.
City also squandered opportunities, particularly when Haaland went up well on Kevin De Bruyne’s cross but headed it wide. Foden set up Jack Grealish, whose 25-yard curler went wide.
There was an additional delay when Sean Longstaff required inspection after awkwardly falling into a
Guardiola sent Bernardo Silva for De Bruyne on 65 minutes and there was an instant dividend.
Pope’s clearance lacked distance and as the ball returned to the danger zone, Trippier challenged Grealish and the ball deflected to Haaland.
The Norwegian showed that he is more than a scorer by blocking Bernardo who buried the occasion from 20 meters.
City finally got fed up with Newcastle’s antics when Burn fouled Grealish and then went down on him.
Haaland led the chase to book the 6-foot-7 defender and shoved him in the chest with both men being booked.
Newcastle knew the game was over and were grateful for Pope stopping Foden from scoring again near the end.
City are still in the title race with Arsenal, but Newcastle are on the slide and could fall outside the top six when the weekend schedule is complete.