Newcastle United Vs Manchester City Full Time Match Report

Manchester City struggled to cope without Rodri as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle, marking their second consecutive Premier League game without a win on Saturday.

Rodri, who is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury sustained in last week’s heated 2-2 draw against Arsenal, was sorely missed.

City took the lead through Josko Gvardiol at St James’ Park, but Newcastle earned a well-deserved point with Anthony Gordon’s second-half penalty.

Despite the draw, City moved two points clear at the top of the table, but they could be overtaken by Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal before the weekend ends.

Read Also: BREAKING: FIFA Bans Argentina Goalkeeper Martinez, Gives Reason

Manager Pep Guardiola described Rodri, who had gone unbeaten in his previous 52 Premier League appearances dating back to February 2023, as “irreplaceable” but insisted his team would find a collective solution.

In Rodri’s absence, teenager Rico Lewis was pushed into a central midfield role alongside Mateo Kovacic. However, City struggled to maintain their usual control and composure without their midfield general.

Newcastle, meanwhile, had only lost one of their first six Premier League games this season, but their performances hadn’t matched the results. The Magpies were also without key players, including last season’s top scorer, Alexander Isak.

Both sides lacked clear chances early on, but City struck first when Gvardiol picked up Jack Grealish’s pass and curled a precise low shot into the far corner.

City had an opportunity to extend their lead soon after when Nick Pope’s clearance fell to Ilkay Gundogan, but the midfielder mis-hit his lob attempt instead of finding Erling Haaland.

Newcastle grew into the game and had their first real chance just before half-time when Joelinton tested Ederson, who made a crucial save.

The hosts were rewarded for their persistence early in the second half when Gordon won a penalty after being brought down by Ederson. He confidently converted the spot-kick to level the score.

Buoyed by the home crowd, Newcastle kept pressing. Joelinton was denied a penalty after a challenge from Kyle Walker, and Ederson made another vital save, this time from Gordon.

Guardiola brought on Phil Foden, last season’s Premier League Player of the Year, to regain control, and City finished the stronger side.

Foden had a chance to grab a winner but shot straight at Pope. The Newcastle keeper also produced a brilliant save from Bernardo Silva’s volley and stopped Haaland’s header in stoppage time.

Newcastle could have won it late on when Sean Longstaff missed a golden opportunity to score, but the match ended level, offering City’s title rivals hope that their grip on the Premier League title may be slipping.