Manchester City beats Newcastle and approaches frontrunner Arsenal

Manchester City did not pull any punches in the battle for the Premier League championship. It went anything but smoothly, but number five Newcastle United were swept aside 2-0.

‘The Citizens’ took the lead after 15 minutes when Phil Foden started. The Englishman rounded three defenders and had a lucky finish. Sven Botman touched his shot, passing goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Foden is the man in form at City. He has already scored three goals in the previous two games. Top scorer Erling Haaland has had a little more trouble finding the net lately. The Norwegian striker scored only two goals in his last seven duels.

Against Newcastle, Haaland had a good header chance, but he nodded the ball just wide. At the back, Nathan Aké was able to distinguish himself, blocking a last-minute effort from Sean Longstaff.

After halftime, Newcastle made increasing claims for the equalizer. Former Willem II striker Aleksander Isak headed just wide. Shortly afterwards, Bernardo Silva, who had just stepped in, shot the 2-0. That was City’s thousandth ever home goal in Premier League history. 840 of those were made at the Etihad, the remaining 160 at Maine Road, the old stadium.

In the closing stages, Haaland asserted himself on a negative note. The strong striker received a yellow card after a riot, as did Newcastle defender Dan Burn.

Leaders Arsenal will be in action later today, at home against Bournemouth.