Manchester City knew that they couldn’t really afford any other slip-ups in 2019 regarding the title race, as they’d already given Liverpool such an astonishing head start following the first few months of the campaign. While they certainly had their moments throughout the course of the afternoon on Tyneside, they were unable to get the job done as they slipped to a disappointing 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
Shocking the world
Raheem Sterling edged the champions into a somewhat fortunate lead, but just a few minutes later Newcastle were level as Jetro Willems produced a lovely finish to round off a really nice move from the home side. It took until the final ten minutes of the game for City to respond courtesy of a Kevin De Bruyne thunderbolt that went in off the bar, but in the end, none of that mattered as Jonjo Shelvey issued yet another quick reply to salvage a point for Steve Bruce’s men.
Following the game, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had the following to say.
“We played at a good level. It was not easy because they defended deep. We scored two goals but we also let two in which is disappointing.
City struggles continue
“With substitutions sometimes players forget positions. We found a way to get through but unfortunately at the end we conceded a goal. There are teams that defend deeper like this, it happens all season. We do the same work we have done over the last few seasons. We tried to score more goals but it did not happen.”
Liverpool are in the midst of playing Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, and if they win, the gap at the top of the table will be extended to a huge 11 points. Manchester City will now turn their attention towards what should be a tricky trip to Turf Moor in order to take on Burnley, whereas Newcastle United will try to keep this momentum going when they face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Whatever happens, this could be looked back on as a truly vital moment in the title race for all parties involved.
Match Report
Newcastle: Dubravka (7), Willems (7.5), Dummett (6.5), Clark (7), Fernandez (7.5), Manquillo (6.5), Saint-Maximin (7.5), Shelvey (8), Hayden (6.5), Almiron (7), Joelinton (6.5), Gayle (6), Atsu (6.5)
Man City: Ederson (6), Walker (6.5), Stones (5.5), Fernandinho (6.5), Mendy (6), De Bruyne (8.5), Gundogan (6.5), D.Silva (7), Mahrez (7), Jesus (7), Sterling (7), Foden (6), Rodrigo (6), B.Silva (6)
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Goals: Willems, Shelvey :: Sterling, De Bruyne
Yellow Cards: Manquillo, Fernandinho, Gundogan
Red Cards: N/A
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