TNT Sports
Manchester City 1-0 Newcastle United – Julian Alvarez strikes to give Phil Foden-inspired City victory over Magpies
By
Published 19/08/2023 at 20:03 GMT+1
It was a pulsating and enthralling encounter in the Premier League as Manchester City edged out Newcastle United 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of Julian Alvarez's wonderful strike in the first half. It was far from comfortable cruising for City as Eddie Howe's side made life extremely difficult for them from the outset, but they just about managed to preserve their advantage.
'Good chance, good goal!' - City take lead following brilliant Alvarez strike
Video credit: TNT Sports
Manchester City rounded off a glorious first week of the season courtesy of a brilliant Julian Alvarez winner in a breathless 1-0 victory over a spirited Newcastle United side at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side began their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win at Burnley last Friday before lifting the European Super Cup courtesy of a memorable penalty shootout victory over Europa League holders Sevilla on Wednesday.
Despite missing Kevin De Bruyne due to a hamstring injury, the Champions League holders still had the craft and class to break down a Newcastle side camped deep in the first half when Alvarez thrashed a high shot into the net from inside the box on 31 minutes after some lovely Phil Foden play.
It ensured City merited a record 17th straight home win across all competitions with their first Premier League success at the Etihad of the new campaign – breaking a club record that had stood since 1921.
England playmaker Foden produced an outstanding display as City’s creative force and also weighed in with plenty of covering work as Eddie Howe’s re-energised visiting side – who thumped Aston Villa 5-1 in their season opener – attempted to rescue a draw in the second period.
Fellow Champions League competitors Newcastle remain without a victory against City at the Etihad since they made the switch from Maine Road in 2003, but they can take solace from a determined effort to trouble the hosts in the second half.
City join Brighton at the top of the table on six points with Roberto de Zerbi’s side ahead on goal difference after their 4-1 win at Wolves earlier on Saturday.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2023/08/19/3765780-76605528-2560-1440.jpg)
'Good chance, good goal!' - City take lead following brilliant Alvarez strike
Video credit: TNT Sports
TALKING POINT – Will Guardiola strengthen this month?
WIth De Bruyne set to be missing for the first half of the season after surgery, there must be a temptation for City to add to their squad as they look to emulate the heights of last year and their historic Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble.
Phil Foden provided the creative spark against City, but what would happen if he got injured? It is a thought that must trouble coach Pep Guardiola.
Rio Ferdinand rightly pointed out ahead of the Super Cup that the injury to De Bruyne and the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan mean that key goals and assists have not been replaced.
The second-half struggle against Newcastle suggests the squad needs some surgery before the month is out.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2023/08/16/3764031-76570553-2560-1440.jpg)
'They're going to have to go into the market' - Rio backs City to reinforce after summer departures
Video credit: TNT Sports
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Phil Foden (Manchester City)
With De Bruyne missing, the onus was on the young England playmaker to provide the creative spark. And he did not disappoint.
On another night, he could easily have set up a strangely misfiring Erling Haaland for several goals. It was no surprise to see him contribute the pass that enabled Alvarez to hammer home what proved to be a fabulous winning goal.
At only 23, the rapidly maturing Foden appears to have the world at his feet, such is his ability to ghost beyond players at will, while also spotting an incisive pass when the mood takes him.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2023/08/20/3765937-76608668-2560-1440.jpg)
'It is difficult' - Foden on ‘challenge’ of being patient at City
Video credit: TNT Sports
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester CIty: Ederson 7, Rúben Dias 7, Manuel Akanji 7, Josko Gvardiol 7, Kyle Walker 7, Julián Álvarez 8, Mateo Kovacic 7, Rodri 7, Erling Haaland 6, Jack Grealish 6, Phil Foden 9
Newcastle United: Nick Pope 7, Sven Botman 7, Fabian Schär 7, Dan Burn 7, Kieran Trippier 7, Bruno Guimarães 6, Joelinton 6, Sandro Tonali 6, Alexander Isak 6, Anthony Gordon 5, Miguel Almirón 7 Subs: Sean Longstaff 6, Elliot Anderson 7, Callum Wilson 6, Harvey Barnes 6, Valentino Livramento 5
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
31' GOAL FOR CITY! – A brilliant finish from Alvarez as he drives the ball high into the net from the Foden pass. First shot on goal tonight, and it brings a goal. Pope got a touch, but too much power on the strike. That is why they are European champions. Can't say that goal wasn't coming. A merited opener for the home side.
42' SO CLOSE TO THE SECOND GOAL! – Erling Haaland is inches away from making it two for City, who are just relentless in looking for space when none appears to be there. Ball just wide with Pope beaten. Foden again with a lovely little pass to set up the Norwegian, who didn't quite get enough purchase on the shot
65' ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS FOR HAALAND? – Erling Haaland again can't put the finishing touches to the delightful passing play of Foden. Ends up dragging his latest effort wide. Almost like a golfer failing to hit the middle of the ball at the moment.
68' NEWCASTLE BLOW OBVIOUS CHANCE! – Bruno Guimarães enjoying plenty of scope to surge forward, but he reaches the edge of the City box, but only manages to trundle a weak shot well wide. Disappointing.
KEY STAT
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement