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The first half saw Manchester City take the lead through a well-crafted goal by Gvardiol.
In the 35th minute, Jack Grealish, displaying his usual flair on the left flank, beat Kieran Trippier before cutting inside and finding Gvardiol’s run into the box.
The Croatian defender, under pressure, displayed excellent composure as he sidestepped two Newcastle defenders and slotted the ball past Nick Pope into the far corner.
It was a crucial goal, especially considering City’s dominance in possession, though they had struggled to create clear-cut chances up until that point.
Newcastle, despite trailing, had their own moments in the first half, with Jacob Murphy and Joelinton both coming close to scoring.
However, they were unable to capitalise, and City’s defence stood firm.
JOSKOOOOOOOOOOOO
🏰 0-1 🩵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/0g9G1mMIpu
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 28, 2024
A key moment came just before halftime when Pope denied a powerful effort to keep Newcastle’s hopes alive as they went into the break 1-0 down.
The second half saw Newcastle push forward with more intensity, and they were rewarded in the 58th minute when Anthony Gordon equalised from the penalty spot.
Gordon was brought down by City goalkeeper Ederson after a quick break, and though the contact appeared minimal, it was enough for the referee to award the penalty.
Gordon stepped up himself and coolly dispatched the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending Ederson the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
As the match progressed, both teams sought a winner, but it was Newcastle who seemed to gain the upper hand.
The home side came agonizingly close to taking the lead in the 80th minute when Sean Longstaff’s first-time shot, following a cutback from Murphy, rolled just wide of the far post.
SO CLOSE BERNARDO!! 😫
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 28, 2024
Manchester City, however, remained a constant threat on the break, with Haaland and Silva both forcing Pope into crucial saves late in the game.
City manager Pep Guardiola made several attacking substitutions in the second half, including the introduction of Phil Foden and Savinho.
Foden in particular, had an impact, creating chances and linking up well with Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian striker came close to scoring on several occasions but was repeatedly thwarted by Newcastle.
The match’s closing stages saw relentless pressure from Manchester City, as they pinned Newcastle back into their own half.
A flurry of corners and crosses into the box caused panic in the Newcastle defence, but Pope stood tall, pulling off a fantastic reflex save to deny Silva from close range in stoppage time.
Today’s @EASPORTSFC Man of the Match is our goal scorer, @JoskoGvardiol4 ✨ pic.twitter.com/Smfqk0q03x
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 28, 2024
In the end, both teams had to settle for a point in what was a highly competitive and entertaining match.
Newcastle will be pleased with their resilience in coming from behind, while Manchester City may rue their missed chances, especially in the second half.