Man City 2-1 Newcastle: Defender Nico O’Reilly scored twice as Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed Eddie Howe’s Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League.
Nico O’Reilly scores twice against Newcastle (Image: Getty Images)
Nico O’Reilly’s Manchester City narrowed their lead over Premier League leaders Arsenal to two points with victory over Newcastle on Saturday night.
Josep Guardiola’s side got the ball rolling with the defender’s second goal of the game, before fellow full-back Lewis Hall leveled the score with a deflected shot.
But O’Reilly didn’t stop there, heading home from Erling Haaland’s cross. Dan Byrne thought he had equalized but had his controversial goal ruled out for chalk.
The win further shortens City’s lead over Arsenal, with Newcastle now in 10th place. Here’s everything you need to know about the Etihad Stadium.
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O’Reilly bags the brace.
Nico O’Reilly is slowly gaining a reputation as a goal-scoring defender, and he scored two more goals against Newcastle. Following a great run by Omar Marmouche, the youngster found himself in acres of space.
It looked like he was going to hand the ball over to Haaland, but given his form, he showed no desire to do so and fired a powerful shot past Nick Pope and into the back of the goal.
City then regained the lead with a powerful header from a great cross from the Norwegian striker. O’Reilly also scored in City’s final Premier League game against Fulham, taking his tally to six goals this season.
Nico O’Reilly is in great form in front of goal (Image: Getty Images)
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hall fights back
One of O’Reilly’s rivals for the left-back spot in England’s set-up is Newcastle defender Lewis Hall. The 21-year-old has been a bright spot in what has been a difficult season domestically for Eddie Howe’s side.
His deflected shot found the back of the net after a deflection from Matheus Nunez, giving supporters a reason to celebrate at the Etihad.
A city given a lucky escape
The theme of the night was defenders scoring, and it looked like Dan Byrne had joined the party. The towering centre-half curled home a stunning Sandro Tonali free-kick past a desperate Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The linesman’s flag cut off his celebration and Byrne was clearly offside. VAR intervened and agreed with the decision, but it initially appeared as if Byrne had been forced into an offside position by Ruben Dias.
Dan Byrne was disappointed to have his goal canceled against Man City (Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle city’s misdeeds continue
Newcastle must be dreading going to the Etihad Stadium. The Magpies have not beaten City away in the Premier League since 2000 and last scored away from home in 2018.
This time it was supposed to be a different story. With better finishing and a bit of luck regarding Byrne’s offside they could have at least picked up a point, but as things stand Newcastle once again set out empty-handed.
to arsenal
It was a far cry from a classic City performance, but all that matters is points, and that’s exactly what Guardiola’s side got.
The victory against Newcastle puts them in second place in the Premier League title race, two points behind Arsenal. The momentum is with City and the Gunners will be watching nervously ahead of Sunday’s north London derby.
If City manage to win the league, this week could reflect the week that clinched it.
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