Newcastle lose 2-0 at halftime. Despite the score, the Magpies played rather well and mounted a charge to close the half. However, defensive mistakes cost us dearly once again, as Manchester City were absolutely good at the lead.
Eddie Howe once again had the guys in a 4-5-1. The bottom line consisted of Murphy, Lascelles, Clark and Ritchie. Joelinton started deeper in midfield with Hayden and Willock. Almiron was on the right with Fraser on the left as Wilson led the line.
Five minutes and a few mistakes cost Newcastle dearly. After unnecessarily conceding a corner by passing the ball behind, Newcastle failed to clear the ball. Oleksandr Zinchenko found Joao Cancelo near the signing.
Cancelo made a seemingly harmless delivery to the region. However, Dubravka and Clark both froze, expecting the other to take care of it. Ruben Dias pointed his head and put the ball into the net to make it 1-0.
In the 11th minute, Newcastle approached Joelinton. Almiron did well to keep the ball to the right before delivering a cross. The ball was cleared for Joelinton outside the zone and it propelled a low workout that jumped a few inches wide.
Twenty minutes later, the guys continued with their positive response after conceding the first goal. The Newcastle press proved to be effective in disrupting Manchester City and we took advantage of a bit of possession on the visitors’ side.
Newcastle lost 2-0 in the 27th minute. Cancelo received a assist from Riyad Mahrez and advanced onto the pitch. Newcastle were too passive and allowed him to throw a shot that found the back of the net. It was an exceptional goal, but Newcastle were penalized for not closing it.
Shortly after the second goal, Newcastle were awarded a penalty. A ball in the box was closed by Cancelo and Ederson. As Cancelo was about to retrieve the ball, Ederson crammed into Fraser taking his feet under him. It didn’t even look like he went to VAR for an exam.
Newcastle almost fashioned a move to get back into the game. Joelinton played a perfectly weighted ball to Wilson between two defenders. The forward just couldn’t get back to his feet to throw a shot. He held the ball and tried to pass Joelinton, but Manchester City managed to stifle the opportunity.
A few minutes later, Newcastle won their first corner of the match. Delivery found an unmarked Isaac Hayden a few yards in front of the net. However, Isaac was unable to guide his head to the target and the ball drifted for a goal kick.
