After a bright start to the new Premier League season, Manchester City fell short for the first time early on Sunday evening. The Skyblues came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Newcastle United.
After the 4-0 win over Bournemouth, there was little reason to make any changes at Manchester City. Coach Pep Guardiola, however, proved a good hand and not only brought on Stones for Dias, but also brought on Bernardo Silva for Mahrez. The latter immediately thanked him for his nomination when he crossed from the right with a move towards goal and found Gündogan in the home side’s penalty area. The German international took the ball out of the air with the necessary calmness and tucked it away for the early lead (5th). A small drop of bitterness: centre-back Aké had to go off injured already in the opening phase, Ruben Dias came on in his place.
The previously unbeaten Magpies did not let themselves be impressed by the early goal and immediately started the project to equalise. After several missed chances, Almiron redeemed the courageous hosts when he crossed Saint-Maximin’s cross with his knee (28).
Newcastle turned the game on its head less than ten minutes later when Saint-Maximin picked up his second score and took Wilson with him, who crossed in to break down the Skyblues defence. He had space and time in front of Ederson’s goal to flick the ball unstoppably to the inside right post (39th). Shortly before the break, ManCity were lucky that referee Gillett decided against a penalty for an action by Stones against Schär and allowed play to continue (45.+3).
Trippier scores fantastically – ManCity strike back twice
Instead of showing a different face after half-time and taking control of the game, Guardiola’s side continued to face enormous pressure from the hosts. ManCity were able to relieve the pressure again and again and Haaland’s shot off the post (52nd) was the first exclamation mark, but Newcastle kept coming forward dangerously. The backline was unable to get a grip on Saint-Maximin and Stones was forced to draw a foul just outside the penalty area, but Guardiola’s side were in for an even bigger blow: Trippier took the free-kick and curled it over the wall and into the corner (54th).
Fired up by the two-goal deficit, the reigning champions put on the pressure and turned it into a double strike. Firstly, Haaland was left unmarked after a corner in the five-metre area and reduced the deficit (60th), then De Bruyne made use of Newcastle’s entire backline with a pinpoint pass and found Bernardo Silva, who also scored the equaliser from close range (64th).
Trippier allowed to continue after disputed action
But instead of pressing further and forcing the lead, the Skyblues let up again in the aftermath, giving Newcastle the opportunity to get back into the game. In the final phase, an open encounter developed without any major chances for a decision. Haaland was the most likely to score, but the Norwegian’s shot from close range went over the goal (79th).
Before that, the game could have taken a decisive turn, but Gillett rescinded the red card for Trippier, who had pushed De Bruyne in the knee during a counterattack, after video evidence and left it at the yellow card (76.). This allowed Newcastle to finish with eleven players and keep the Skyblues’ attacking actions at bay.
The Magpies now face Wolves in the league (Sunday, 3pm) and Manchester City face Crystal Palace on Saturday (4pm).
