MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City kept up the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Phil Foden and substitute Bernardo Silva scored in each half to give the scoreline a comfortable look but Newcastle had their chances, particularly though Anthony Gordon, who made his full debut following his January move from Everton, as well as Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
It’s now five games without a win in all competitions for Newcastle, while City extend their unbeaten run to seven.
Rapid reaction
1. Foden continues good form
Foden has been made to wait for regular games since the World Cup but, back in the team, he has found some form. His goal against Newcastle was Foden at his best; picking up the ball in the space on the right, driving past Joelinton and Gordon into the penalty area and scoring via deflection off Sven Botman. It was pace, strength and close control all crammed into 10 seconds.
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We’re at the point of the season when Guardiola begins to think about which players are going to start City’s big UEFA Champions League knockout games and Foden is making a good case for himself. Having admitted he was struggling with a foot problem since Christmas, it’s now four goals in his last three games — including two in two in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland is sure to start the big games and Jack Grealish has done well enough recently to warrant a regular place, as well. That leaves one place in Guardiola’s traditional front three for either Foden or Riyad Mahrez. Foden got the nod against Newcastle and made the most of his chance to impress.
2. De Bruyne isn’t undroppable anymore
There was a time when Guardiola wouldn’t dream of picking a team without Kevin De Bruyne but it looks like those days are…
