Man City fall to second in EPL after Newcastle draw

Champions Manchester City dropped points for the second week running after being held to a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon in the English Premier League.

The Citizens went ahead in the 35th minute through Croatian left-back Josko Gvardio, after great build-up play by midfielder Jack Grealish.

Unable to find a second goal, City found themselves in a precarious position when Newcastle equalized in the 58th minute through a penalty converted by England winger Anthony Gordon.

Although they came close to regaining their lead, the champions were forced to settle for a draw for the second consecutive week, following last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.

After dropping four points from their last two games, Pep Guardiola’s men find themselves second on the table with 14 points, level on points with third-placed Arsenal, and one point behind league leaders Liverpool.

City are undoubtedly struggling in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne and the recently injured Rodri, who was on Friday ruled out for the rest of the 2024-25 soccer season due to a serious ACL injury sustained against Arsenal.

Speaking after the match, the Man City boss addressed concerns over Rodri’s absence.

“Guys, I’m going to tell you, I know you’re going to ask me all the time – of course we’re going to miss Rodri,” said Guardiola.

“I know if we don’t do well it’s because of Rodri [not being there]. I have to find a solution. We’re going to find a solution. I would love Rodri to be here. But it is what it is.”

“We had the chances to score, we should score. And in their stadium, they can score. Apart from that I’m satisfied.”

Man City will be in Slovakia on Tuesday night in the Champions League, with the top betting sites paying -1666.67 for City to beat Slovak Super Liga champions Slovan Bratislava (+3084).

Meanwhile, Bovada are paying +117 for Newcastle to beat Everton (+226) next Saturday at Goodison Park in the EPL.

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