- The visitors emerged victorious in the final with a breathless 3-2 win at St James’ Park
- Magpies remain in tenth place, while Guardiola’s side have risen to second
- Newcastle’s summer signings haven’t worked. It’s crazy to talk about them as an established top four side… Sixth is about right. It all starts
Manchester City claimed victory in the final at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon with a breathless 3-2 win against Newcastle.
Pep Guardiola’s champions were tested early on. Ederson lost to injury within the first ten minutes and conceded two quick goals before half-time, losing their slim lead.
But the introduction of Kevin De Bruyne, just back from injury, turned out to be a game changer: the Belgian talisman scored within four minutes of the substitution.
The midfielder later provided an assist for Oscar Bobb’s winner – his first in the Premier League – to seal the win.
Here, Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan discusses everything you might have missed on a breakneck day in Newcastle.
Kevin De Bruyne was the gamechanger from the bench for Man City’s victory over Newcastle
The Magpies were able to expose Man City with two efficient counter-attacks to steal the lead
But Oscar Bobb’s winner – and the first Premier League goal – proved decisive before the whistle
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Newcastle United’s poor record in this match continued, with Manchester City recording a 27th win in the last 33 meetings between the two. City’s only defeat since 2005 came six years ago, a masterclass from Rafa Benitez as the home side recovered from a setback to Sergio Aguero in the opening minute despite having just 23 percent of the ball.
They almost saw a draw and Pep Guardiola noted that the main stand cheered on the board just three minutes into stoppage time, before young Oscar Bobb emerged with the winner – his first Premier League. An important.
Two very different breaks for the clubs. City leave for the warmer climes of Abu Dhabi on Thursday for a week after a few days off, while Newcastle have opted not to travel to Saudi Arabia and will instead remain on Tyneside. Both now have fourteen days off.
Guardiola switched things up tactically to the form Manchester City had practiced during pre-season.
The positioning of Kyle Walker, stationed exceptionally high and wide on the right, saw those behind striker Julian Alvarez move up one spot each. And it was designed that way after studying Newcastle United’s midfield.
Operating with a flat three in front of the back four, Eddie Howe provided plenty of space for City to exploit – and Walker venturing forward allowed Phil Foden to occupy the pockets.
As we’ve seen in recent weeks, giving Foden any space there is dangerous and Bernardo Silva relished the idea of roaming more too, chipping with the opener and hitting the crossbar later.
The downside of that for Guardiola was what happened in the other direction. Walker, whose choices in his private life were again brought into question last week, will not look back favorably on either of Newcastle’s goals. Especially the second one, when he beckoned Anthony Gordon in. City’s high defensive line did not meet the basic principles. Josko Gvardiol also struggled at the other end, with both full-backs guilty of losing runners.
Newcastle were a popular candidate for Kalvin Phillips, but were unable to look at him on Saturday
There are just over two weeks left before the transfer window and questions still hang over Kalvin Phillips’ future at Manchester City.
Newcastle United are among the clubs to have shown interest in the England international, who was back on Pep Guardiola’s bench after illness ruled him out of last week’s FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town.
Phillips has played just ten games so far this season, with only two starts. One of these was at St James’ Park when City were knocked out of the Carabao Cup and the feeling is that he will have to leave regular minutes ahead of the European Summer Championship.
But Newcastle need to sell before they sign anyone this month, even a loan deal like Phillips, and there has been no movement on that front. Juventus have had extensive discussions about his signing, but have not yet pressed the button. The city wants a decent compensation for a temporary transfer.