Nico O’Reilly scored twice as Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-1, moving within two points of leaders Arsenal after a tense night at the Etihad.
Manchester City moved to within two points of the Premier League summit after a hard fought 2-1 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium. The victory followed Arsenal’s midweek slip and kept the title race alive. City started sharply but were made to work deep into the contest. Relief was clear at the final whistle.
City strike early with confidence
City pressed from the opening whistle and were rewarded in the 14th minute. Nico O’Reilly surged forward and struck powerfully from range. Nick Pope got a hand to the shot but could not keep it out. The early goal settled the home side and lifted the crowd.
Newcastle did not retreat after conceding. They pressed higher and forced City into hurried clearances. Their response was immediate and decisive. The game shifted into a fast and open rhythm.
Newcastle drew level in the 22nd minute from a set piece. Lewis Hall’s effort took a deflection and wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma. City were briefly shaken as Newcastle sensed momentum. Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock began finding space.
Parity lasted only five minutes. Erling Haaland drifted wide and delivered a precise cross. O’Reilly attacked the far post and headed home confidently. City regained control at 2-1.
City could have extended the lead before the break. Haaland and Phil Foden both tested Pope with sharp efforts. Newcastle also threatened as Dan Burn had a header ruled out for offside. The interval arrived with City narrowly ahead.
The second half told a different story. Newcastle enjoyed more possession and pushed City deeper. Guardiola’s side became compact and cautious. Clear chances were limited but the pressure remained constant.
O’Reilly was central to everything City did well. He covered ground, linked play, and finished clinically. Haaland did not score but provided leadership and a crucial assist. Donnarumma’s role proved decisive late on.
In stoppage time, Harvey Barnes struck goalward from close range. Donnarumma reacted superbly to turn the ball away. The save preserved three vital points. It drew a roar of approval from the stands.
City recorded their 17th straight home league win against Newcastle. They have now beaten the Magpies more times than any other opponent. City finished with 1.35 expected goals compared to Newcastle’s 0.58. Newcastle held more second-half possession but created little.
O’Reilly scored his first Premier League brace on his 35th appearance. Omar Marmoush assisted the opener and led City for shots. Newcastle generated only 0.32 expected goals after the break. City’s defensive discipline proved decisive on a day where City needed a result to pile pressure on leaders Arsenal.
Manchester City travel to Leeds United next weekend before hosting Nottingham Forest. Victory there could pile further pressure on Arsenal. For now, attention will turn to Sunday’s north London derby. City will be watching closely.
Newcastle return to European action in midweek. They host Qarabag in the Champions League play-off second leg. Eddie Howe’s side hold a commanding first-leg advantage. League action against Everton will follow next Saturday.
