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Manchester City's winning streak is stopped at three after a disappointing 1-1 draw at St. James' Park against Newcastle, with goals from Sergio Agüero and Vurnon Anita. A poor match with many mistakes and very few scoring opportunities ended with a good result for the Magpies in their battle for survival, but a terrible one for the Citizens who wasted two valuable points in their top-four race.
FIRST HALF
The first 45 minutes were as intense as you'd expect from a key match. Newcastle came out with good attitude and attacked with purpose. But City showed more poise with possession and brought danger to the Magpies' defense. The visitors consolidated their control with Agüero's 100th Premier League goal to open the scoring (he was miles offside).
After the goal, City looked a bit too relaxed and started conceding possession and space for Newcastle to attack. Then Moussa Sissoko played a beautiful long ball to Anita, and the Newcastle full-back made a great cut to the middle before scoring the equalizer with a great left-footed shot that went in off the post.
At halftime, a deserved draw for the fighting Magpies, and the need of a better final period from the Sky Blues.
SECOND HALF
The visitors didn't improve much in the second half, and apart from a big chance for Jesus Navas that keeper Karl Darlow saved, the Citizens weren't able to show any evolution from their first half performance. Newcastle on the other hand continued to put pressure and look for a second goal, but couldn't create any major chances either.
In the end, a very lackluster football and with a disappointing result for City in what could have been a vital win to secure a top-four place. Well, could have.
Newcastle: Darlow; Anita, Mbemba, Lascelles, Dummett; Tioté, Colback; Towsend (Wijnaldum), Sissoko, Pérez (Aarons); Cissé (Mitrovic)
Goal: Anita (31')
Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernando, Touré (Fernandinho); Navas (Bony), De Bruyne, Delph (Sterling); Agüero
Goal: Agüero (14')