Man City fight back to earn point at Newcastle

Mueez Ajao

– A second-half comeback saw Premier League champions Manchester City dramatically draw 3-3 with Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.

– City — who went behind by two goals in the match — dropped points for the first time this season, leaving Arsenal as the only Premier League side to have won their opening three matches.

– City capitalised on early lacklustre Newcastle defending as Ilkay Gundogan was picked out in the box and granted time to adjust himself and fire home beyond Nick Pope to take a fifth-minute lead.

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– Eddie Howe’s side responded well, forging several chances. Miguel Almiron spurned the best of which by firing over after being teed up by Allan Saint-Maximin in an eventful opening 20 minutes.

– But Almiron did deservedly draw the game level in the 28th minute. His improvised finish from Saint-Maximin’s cross was initially ruled out for offside but a VAR check overturned the decision and granted Newcastle their leveller.

– Newcastle had the better of their opponents in the first half and they were rewarded six minutes before the break. More probing by Saint-Maximin allowed the France winger to play in Callum Wilson, who cut inside and fired past Ederson with the outside of his boot.

– Erling Haaland, who had been subdued in the first half, struck the post seven minutes after the interval.

– However it was Newcastle who struck next and extended their lead against Pep Guardiola’s side, Kieran Trippier sending a free-kick from 25 yards soaring into the top corner.

– St James’ Park was soon silenced, though, as two quickfire goals got City back level by the 64th minute. The prolific Haaland sparked the comeback, latching onto Rodri’s flick to slam home a volley from close range with 30 minutes left to play. Three minutes later, Kevin De Bruyne’s smart ball in behind found Bernardo Silva, who slid the ball past Nick Pope.

– Both sides pushed for a winner in the frantic affair, but neither could find the breakthrough — Newcastle were boosted by keeping goalscorer Trippier on the pitch, who was shown a red card by referee Jarred Gillett until a VAR check turned the verdict to yellow.

FULL-TIME | We come away from St James' Park with a point 🤝

⚫️ 3-3 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/M6MSrIQpVj

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 21, 2022