Nico O’Reilly’s double gave Manchester City a hard-fought 2-1 win against Newcastle in the exciting Premier League title race, moving them within two points of leaders Arsenal.
Manager Josep Guardiola has been deliberately modest about Man City’s title chances so far this season, but that stance is sure to change in the coming weeks. He must now accept that his team is in the best position to take this race to the finale in May.
In fact, City are the only team in the league to have won more than one game, avoiding a nine-point deficit with Arsenal, who play Tottenham live on Sky Sports on Sunday.
Nico O’Reilly scores twice to give Man City a valuable victory in the race for the Premier League title
O’Reilly was the star of the show, scoring two goals on either side of shots deflected by Lewis Hall, all in a 13-minute frenzy in the first half. Hall’s goal was Newcastle’s first league goal at the Etihad since 2018, but Eddie Howe’s side lacked sufficient quality in their final three goals and did not have a shot on target until stoppage time in the second period. Dan Byrne headed the ball into the net but was immediately ruled offside.
Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock, who had just scored four goals in the European game in midweek, encouraged Gianluigi Donnarumma to flourish, but he showed little trouble until the deathbed when Harvey Barnes tried to make his presence known from a corner. The visitor’s xG value did not exceed 0.60. City, on the other hand, were denied five times by Nick Pope and the late scoreline should have been much easier.
Unbeaten in five games, their title hopes are firmly alive, and Guardiola celebrated at the final whistle with a fist pump as he acknowledged the significance of the result on one lap at the Etihad. “Today’s connection with the fans was the best of the season,” Pep said. “There are five home games left in the Premier League and we need that atmosphere.”
Pep: Enjoy life – that’s how you win titles!
Man City manager Josep Guardiola:
“Newcastle are an incredibly complete team. They’re a very tough team. They’re aggressive, they win duels and man-marks, but we were there. We learned today that that’s the rhythm of football, that’s the level. That’s why all these teams are in the Champions League. I’m really happy for the win.”
On the chances of winning the title: “We have a lot of new players. That’s why they have to live with it. I said forget it. We have to improve, but it’s not enough. To compete to win the Premier League we have to be there. We proved we can get the three points, but we have to do more to have a chance of getting it.”
“I tell the players, ‘Let’s have a lot of Caipirinhas and Daiquiris in these three days and enjoy life.’ Then we do three proper training sessions and go to Leeds. That’s the right way. We know how difficult it is. If things don’t go well, we don’t give up and keep going. There are a lot of 10 or 11 games in the Premier League.”
Despite suffering his third loss in four games, he is satisfied with his leadership.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe:
“Physically, we did a good job. We had a series of tough games. I want the players to empty their heads and give their best to win. I thought we played with a good plan. We didn’t protect the two goals enough and made two mistakes, but I’m satisfied with their efforts.”
“The league position is not what we wanted, partly based on tonight. We are moving in the right direction and that’s the most important thing, because it means we’re going to be good in the long run.”
“We’re not trying to overthink the game, we’re trying to win every game. We don’t want to lose momentum. The spirit is strong, the teamwork is strong, and you could see that in the second half. Overall the players are giving their all and doing the best they can for this football club.”
