Newcastle United – Manchester City: City Dominate With Incisive Wing Play (1-3)
Manchester City dominated possession throughout as their 3-4-3 diamond shape on the ball helped drive Newcastle back and create opportunities for their wingers to torment Newcastle. Out of possession, their high pressing helped restrict Newcastle's attacking play, ultimately leading to a comfortable win for the visitors.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
Newcastle United were able to beat Manchester United 2-1 last time out despite only having ten men. With their current league position not promising much though, the possibility of an FA Cup run to keep their season going would have been at the front of their minds coming into this match. City meanwhile dropped points in the title race in midweek as they drew at home to Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Howe's side lined up in a 4-3-3 shape here, with a back four of Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Lewis Hall. Nick Woltemade was deployed in a central midfield role alongside Joe Willock while Sandro Tonali played the deeper role. The front three comprised Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes, and William Osula.
City meanwhile started in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Pep Guardiola rotating his team somewhat. Matheus Nunes, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nathan Aké made up the back four. Nico González was partnered with Nico O'Reilly in central midfield with Tijjani Reijnders ahead of them. Savinho, Omar Marmoush, and Jérémy Doku then formed the frontline.
Newcastle strike first
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