Manchester City extended their Premier League winning run to 18 games as they comfortably defeated Newcastle United 1-0 at St James’ Park.
Pep Guardiola’s men are now one win away from equalling a European record set by Bayern Munich of 19 league wins in a row, which was ironically set when Pep Guardiola was in charge of the Bavarian club. The Citizens also extended their lead over nearest rivals Manchester United to a massive FIFTEEN points, after the Red Devils could only draw at home to Burnley.
After sustained pressure from the away side, City deservedly took the lead when Raheem Sterling was played through by a fantastic Kevin De Bruyne lobbed pass and the Englishman took his opportunity to give his side the advantage. In a game which saw City have 78% of the possession and 21 shots on goal, the Citizens could only manage to convert one of their chances. It could be argued that a team better than Newcastle could have punished City for their lack of a cutting edge, and could have easily scraped a draw if Dwight Gayle’s late header hadn’t missed the target.
Sergio Aguero had twice hit the woodwork in the opening 30 minutes before Sterling’s solitary goal, with Nicolas Otamendi having to clear the ball off the line after Rolando Aarons had chipped Ederson off his line. De Bruyne also hit the post as City struggled to widen their numerical advantage. Despite the hosts showing plenty of ambition to salvage a point, Guardiola’s men held on for the victory.
Here are our player ratings from the match.
Ederson - 7
Made one of the passes of the match with a precise clearance into Aguero’s path. Despite it being a quiet night for him in terms of making saves, he stood strong and imposing in goal for the Citizens.
Kyle Walker - 6
His blistering pace and aggressive play-style ensured that the home side would have no chance of building attacks down the City right flank. Despite this, two sloppy plays gave away possession to the home side – with one nearly leading to a Newcastle penalty after Dwight Gayle was adjudged to have dived in the box.
Vincent Kompany - 6
Another injury for the Belgian captain, which adds to the growing list of calf problems in the past. His early substitution was another frustrating sight for City fans on a night of missed chances and jubilation.
Nicolas Otamendi - 8
Another fantastic display from the Argentine, which showed the right amount of aggression and decisiveness needed to ensure the clean sheet. Made a crucial clearance off the line from a Rolando Aarons’ lobbed attempt to keep his side ahead.
Danilo - 7
The last time he featured at left-back was an unconvincing display, but this time he was aggressive, rapid and always looking for the forward pass. Towards the end of the match, he ensured the home side had no opportunity to break through down City’s left flank.
Kevin De Bruyne - 7
Wasn’t his best night for the Citizens, but when it mattered most, he stepped up to deliver the crucial ball to Sterling for the winning goal. That is what world class players can do – they step up when it matters most. A concern for him will be the amount of passes he misplaced, which isn’t common in the way he plays.
Fernandinho - 9
Once again, the Brazilian was as solid as ever in midfield and defence. After a fantastic opening period in the centre of the park, he reverted back to centre-back and led by example. A performance his team-mate and captain Vincent Kompany would be proud of.
Ilkay Gündogan - 7
Didn’t show enough physical presence when it mattered most for the away side, but his passing and creative side was in full effect as he worked hard to provide the chances for his team-mates.
Bernardo Silva - 6
The Portuguese has had a difficult start to life in English football, which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise considering his stature and physicality isn’t quite up to standards. He doesn’t show enough influence on games, which is what his namesake David and De Bruyne can do in the blink of an eye. Despite this, I have confidence he can improve in this team and will become a starter in the future.
Sergio Aguero - 6
Hit the woodwork twice and saw an opportunity saved by Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot. Just wasn’t his night, which has become too common this season. Needs to find his cutting edge that was on display against Bournemouth.
Raheem Sterling - 8
The Englishman is showing pure confidence right now, and who can blame him after his incredible run of form recently. 13 league goals and 17 in all competitions and it’s only December! He is now taking opportunities more often than not, which has shown how much he has improved under Pep Guardiola.
Substitutions
Gabriel Jesus (for Kompany 11) – Was physical when needed, but was ineffective when it came to converting chances – 6
Eliaquim Mangala (for Aguero 77) – No time to mark
Leroy Sane (for Bernardo Silva 83) – No time to mark