Manchester City laid down an early-season marker within the Premier League title race as Julian Alvarez’s gorgeous strike earned a 1-0 win over Newcastle on the Etihad on Saturday.
A membership file seventeenth consecutive dwelling victory for the treble winners was completely deserved regardless of its exertions in lifting the UEFA Super Cup in midweek.
Newcastle’s 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa final weekend had raised hopes on Tyneside that it may very well be the choose of the challengers to City’s crown as English champions.
But on this proof, Pep Guardiola’s males will take some stopping of their quest to change into the primary aspect to ever win 4 consecutive English top-flight titles.
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Guardiola was livid on the Premier League for scheduling the sport simply three days after his aspect was compelled to penalties to beat Sevilla underneath baking warmth in Athens.
City’s squad has additionally been stretched early on within the marketing campaign by the absence of Bernardo Silva and John Stones, whereas Kevin De Bruyne can be out for as much as 4 months with a hamstring damage.
But goals the Magpies may pose a problem for his or her frist top-flight league title in 97 years have been dampened by City’s dominance earlier than tiredness crept in late on.
The guests have been pleased to give up possession earlier than the break, however it took a second of magic for City to discover a manner by.
Alvarez may very well be one of many benefactors of De Bruyne’s prolonged lay-off.
The Argentine scored 17 targets in his debut season in Manchester regardless of having to play largely second fiddle to Erling Haaland.
Guardiola could now be compelled to pair Alvarez with the Norwegian extra usually and he confirmed what he’s able to with a surprising end into the highest nook from Phil Foden’s go on 31 minutes.
Haaland was not as correct moments later as he dragged a shot inches vast when performed in by one other Foden by ball.
Newcastle’s extra attacking intent within the second half solely succeeded in leaving City extra space to use in behind.
However, a uncommon off evening for Haaland in entrance of aim continued.
Foden stepped up within the absence of De Bruyne and Silva to be the inventive spark within the City midfield.
The England worldwide’s flip and go picked out Haaland as soon as extra on his favoured left foot just for final season’s Golden Boot winner once more fail to hit the goal.
Haaland went for uncooked energy together with his subsequent effort, however was repelled by the legs of Nick Pope as City have been made to attend for a second aim to kill the sport off.
The European champions have been practically made to pay when Rodri’s slack go offered Callum Wilson with an enormous alternative.
But 90-million-euro ($99 million) defender Josko Gvardiol confirmed his price on his dwelling debut to carry up Wilson and Harvey Barnes’ shot was comfortably held by Ederson.
Despite his aspect’s fatigue, Guardiola refused to make a single substitution and advised one City fan to take his place on the bench when urged to make some adjustments.
But all of it resulted in smiles for the house aspect as City maintained its good begin to the Premier League season to sit down second behind Brighton on the prime of the desk.
