NEWCASTLE (Reuters) – Reigning champions Manchester City were held to a second straight draw in the Premier League after Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon cancelled out Josko Gvardiol’s opener in a feisty 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
City, who drew with title rivals Arsenal last weekend, stay provisionally top with 14 points from six games as they wait for Liverpool, Aston Villa and the Gunners to play their games this weekend. Newcastle are fifth with 11 points.
In a scrappy affair where eight yellow cards were handed out, City struggled to maintain a tempo with key midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri out injured.
Meanwhile, league top scorer Erling Haaland failed to find the net for the first time this season as the Newcastle defence restricted the Norwegian striker to just one shot on target.
“That was a good display, that was us playing our way, brave. It was two teams going right at each other for probably 70 minutes,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told BBC.
“Last 20 minutes, they were stronger than us and we had to defend really well to maintain the point… I was really pleased with how we were off the ball and how we attacked the game.”
Newcastle, meanwhile, looked to counter-attack with winger Gordon leading the line in the absence of the injured Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
City took the lead in the 35th minute when winger Jack Grealish spotted Gvardiol making a run into the box, and after the full back received the ball he skilfully turned defender Dan Burn before finding the bottom corner.
But Newcastle struck back from the spot in the 58th minute when City goalkeeper Ederson tripped Gordon while reaching for the ball as the England international rounded him.
Ederson was booked, and Gordon stepped up himself to send the Brazilian the wrong way to score his second goal of the season and level the game at 1-1.
“I’ve said he is capable of doing the role. The highlight for me today was his energy and his running,” Howe said.
“He led the line really well and really pleased that he got his goal. Well deserved.”
Newcastle had another penalty appeal when Joelinton went down in the box under pressure from Kyle Walker, but referee Jarred Gillett waved it away.
Bernardo Silva nearly won it for City in second-half added time when he turned in the box and fired a volley on target but goalkeeper Nick Pope reacted well to deny him as both teams shared the spoils.
“We made bad decisions in the last moment when we tried to make it 2-0. It’s always so difficult, their physicality, they defend so deep, they defend so well,” City boss Pep Guardiola said.
“It’s what has happened lately. We had chances (to win) but Pope was brilliant in two or three saves. But yeah, we will take the point.”
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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