Manchester City emerge unscathed and take down Newcastle

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have continued their strong start to their title defence by securing a second consecutive win, this time against Newcastle United.

The Magpies provided a tough test as the Citizens played at the Etihad Stadium for the first time this season, and there was only a single goal in the game.

Having finished in the top four last season, Eddie Howe’s side were not fearful of taking on Pep Guardiola’s team and they showed as much with a brave approach which took the game to the hosts.

Alvarez broke the deadlock

What would prove to be the winner came just after the half-hour mark as Phil Foden broke into space down the right flank.

He then cut back to striker Julian Alvarez, who had found space on the edge of the penalty box and fired past Nick Pope.

Newcastle looked to react and had penalty calls for a Mateo Kovacic handball ignored after a VAR review.

Chances for both sides

The visitors had attempts on goal, mostly from distance to test Ederson, but few clear cut chances as they looked to break down City.

They remained dangerous on the counter, but the usually prolific Erling Haaland failed to score with any of his four shots, with Sven Botman keeping a close eye on the Norwegian.

The result may leave Newcastle feeling hard done by, but did reflect the quantity and quality of chances enjoyed by the home side, even if they did fail to convert any other than Alvarez’s first-half rocket.