Manchester City – Newcastle United: A Reality Check For the Geordies (2-0)

Newcastle United have earned their right to sit alongside the best in English football and looked unfazed from the start of this clash. But the seasoned champions did well to remind them there is still some distance to reach the top, negotiating a difficult challenge with flying colors.
Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Most would say Manchester City have not lived up to expectations in a campaign full of disharmony. However, more silverware could adorn the cabinet: this outfit are still bidding for three trophies. They remain five points off Arsenal, but a 3-1 victory over the league leaders at their ground displayed their mettle in their attempt to defend their Premier League crown for a second year on the spin. But now their main rivals are getting back on track, dropped points could come at the worst possible moment.

That outcome is not out of the realm of possibility. Newcastle United earned a 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture in August: a symbol of their fierce challenge to the English elite. But the vigor that carried the club into third place by the start of the year has cooled off. They have recorded . . .