Manchester City have closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to two points. The Citizens turned around a 2-1 deficit at Newcastle United. League comebacker Kevin De Bruyne played a key role in this, scoring one goal himself and setting up another
Newcastle coach Eddie Howe made just one change to his side after the 3-0 win at Sunderland. Miley replaced Joelinton in midfield.
On the opposite flank, Pep Guardiola rotated six times after the 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Ederson, Walker, Aké, Rodri, Doku and Bernardo Silva started in place of Ortega Moreno, Akanji, Sergio Gomez, Lewis, Bobb and Grealish.
The visitors from Manchester would certainly have imagined a different start to the game. Although Newcastle’s goal was disallowed for offside (2), Ederson was injured while attempting to defend. He tried again, almost conceded a goal (6th), before signaling that he would not continue and was replaced by Ortega Moreno. The Magpies adopted a 4-5-1 formation against the ball, keeping the game tight and relying on long balls. City struggled to find space at the start, with Bernardo Silva missing the first chance (17′).
Bernardo Silva dream – Newcastle turn the game around
In the 26th minute, however, the Skyblues went in front. This time, the Portuguese did better – he converted a cross from Walker with his heel to take a remarkable lead (26′). Bernardo Silva (29) and Alvarez (33) had further chances, but Newcastle goalkeeper Dubravka thwarted them. Instead of taking a 2-0 lead, the visitors suddenly found themselves 2-1 down just four minutes later after a double strike. Isak (35) and Gordon (37) completed two Magpies turnovers almost identically with a shot into the far corner.
City seemed to have been knocked out, Isak (41) and a sharp cross from Trippier created further danger in front of City’s goal – but there was no further goal. That’s how it went into the break.
De Bruyne makes a dream comeback in the league
The visitors came out of the break with anger in their bellies and unleashed constant pressure. They controlled the game, with Newcastle barely able to relieve the pressure during this phase. The only thing missing from the Skyblues side were the big chances. Alvarez had the best one with a direct free-kick (52′). Foden (58′, 62′) and Alvarez (64′) had further chances, but they all lacked any real danger. Newcastle were busy defending with eleven players at this stage. De Bruyne then made his Premier League comeback in the 69th minute after a long injury lay-off, having already featured in the FA Cup the previous week. His first action was to take a free-kick, which led to a great chance for Alvarez a few seconds later (70′).
De Bruyne’s presence made all the difference. Not only was he involved in almost every attacking move, but he also scored the equalizer after just four minutes (74). In the 84th, he came close to scoring an assist, but Dubravka made a strong save from Rodri (84′). In stoppage time, however, he did record his assist: Bobb, who had also come on as a substitute, rounded Dubravka after a strong lob from the Belgian and scored to make it 3:2 (90.+1).
The Citizens leapfrogged Liverpool into second place with the three-pointer and moved to within two points of leaders Liverpool. Both teams do not play again until the end of January. Newcastle visit Aston Villa on the 30th (9.15pm), while Man City host Luton a day later (8.30pm).
