Manchester City came from behind to thump six goals past a helpless Newcastle at the Etihad last night, sending the Sky Blues back to the top of the table for the time being
It was Newcastle who started the better side and they took a deserved lead after some fine play saw Georginio Wijnaldum’s cross headed in by Aleksandar Mitrovic, recording his first goal for the Tyneside club. Sergio Aguero gave City fans a breather when he nodded home from close range a few minutes before the break, but it was the second-half that saw the hosts really take the game to the Magpies. Five goals, including four from Aguero, in little over 15 minutes after the restart was more than enough to take all three points in an extremely comfortable fashion. The Argentine striker only lasted about 66 minutes, but still managed to add an amazing five goals to his name in that period. Kevin De Bruyne scored the other only a few minutes after Aguero had competed his hat-trick.
The win resulted in City retaining their pole position after a shaky last couple of matches. Manuel Pellegrini was clearly elated with his side’s extremely dominating display.
Steve McClaren’s Magpies, on the other hand, will rue missed opportunities, especially in the first-half when they were a goal up.
41st minute: Manchester City 0-1 Newcastle 62nd minute: Manchester City 6-1 Newcastle Take a bow, Sergio. pic.twitter.com/K1YUJIYhRw
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 3, 2015
Formations
City started off in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fernando replacing Yaya Toure in the centre of midfield, Pablo Zabaleta coming in for Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala moving back into defence at the expense of Martin Demichelis. Joe Hart reclaimed his spot in goal after he missed the last league outing. Newcastle named an unchanged backline from the side that drew 2-2 with Chelsea last week. Steve McClaren included just one change from that side from that game, as Yoan Gouffran replaced the injured Jack Colback.
Overwhelmed Newcastle move to the bottom
Newcastle’s struggles continue as they have yet to register a league victory this season. Sunderland’s draw with West Ham meant they moved up a place and as the Magpies take another beating to their goal difference, it puts them in last position. Steve McClaren will be sweating over his job as rumours of his successor are reportedly being planned. The Magpies will have to find some form and quick if they want to survive in the Premier League. As a rampant City took a firm grip on the game shortly after the second-half, the visitors began to stutter after a commendable early effort. Nearly a quarter of all passing attempts were off-target and more than half of their attempted tackles were failed across the pitch.
READ MORE: What We Learned – Manchester City 6 Newcastle United 1
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Aguero has rediscovered his form
It was only a few days ago that the football world went berserk after Robert Lewandowski scored five goals in an astonishing nine minutes. Aguero might have taken a little longer to repeat the feat, but the Argentine’s attempt was equally impressive. It took all of 21 minutes to net five for the Sky Blues, also becoming the fifth Premier League player to score that many in a single game, sharing this prestige with the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Andy Cole, Jermain Defoe and Allan Shearer. Looking at his most lethal against the Magpies, Aguero was spectacular with his accuracy in the final third and amassed eight shots over the 90 minutes, more than a third of Man City’s total attempts. He also ended what was some sort of a league goal drought, as he had only managed one for the season prior to this game.
De Bruyne already proving an asset
The Belgian now has three goals in his last three league appearances for Pellegrini’s side. Not many were too skeptical when City broke their transfer record to attain De Bruyne’s services, as he had just come off a fantastic season with Wolfsburg. The still very young 24-year-old has hit the ground running, scoring at will while also providing valuable assists. The manager will be hopeful that he continues these performances, as he will be playing a key part in any of City’s 2015-16 successes.
Manchester City conclusion
After a disappointing last couple of matches, City seemed to have shaken all of their problems and once again look like the team that started off the season in fine form. While they have conceded all of their seven goals in only the last three games, they have also managed to score 19 in total this season, having a healthy goal difference of 12. They face Bournemouth next in the league and Pellegrini will demand three points in that fixture, as their following match will be a testing derby against their closest neighbours and rivals – Manchester United.
Newcastle United have won just 4 of their 30 competitive fixtures in 2015 (13.3%). Shocking run of form. — Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 3, 2015
Newcastle United conclusion
Having gone through a tough first eight games, the path for Newcastle gets slightly better coming up, as they face Norwich, Sunderland, Stoke and Bournemouth in their next four League matches. Steve McClaren will be hopeful for a change in fortunes for his side, while he himself looks to avoid the axe.
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