Newcastle United and Manchester City played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at St James’ Park in a match where the relegation battlers can consider themselves unlucky they did not win.
Both teams started lively and it was the visitors who drew first blood. Aleksandar Kolarov sent in a free-kick which was smartly headed in by Sergio Aguero to put the Sky Blues ahead, although replays showed that the Argentine was a couple of yards offside, sparking outrage among the Geordie crowd.
The Magpies grew in to the match and missed a golden chance to draw level when Moussa Sissoko had a one-on-one shot saved by Joe Hart. One minute later though, Newcastle were level after Sissoko switched the play to Vurnon Anita, who cut onto his non-preferred left-side and curled a shot in off the post.
City began the second-half brightly and had a half-hearted penalty shout turned down when Aguero thought he was fouled inside the area, although the best chance fell Newcastle’s way in the 87th minute, when a shot from Georginio Wijnaldum from point blank range could not beat Hart.
Ultimately the spoils were shared in this midweek clash, with the Geordies taking plenty of positives ahead of their make-or-break final four matches.
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Formations
Rafa Benitez made only one change from the team that beat Swansea on the weekend, with underperforming playmaker Wijnaldum making way for Ayoze Perez. The Spaniard lined up on the left-side of an attacking-midfield trio, with Andros Townsend on the right and Sissoko in the middle lending support to Papiss Cisse. Jack Colback and Cheick Tiote started in defensive-midfield, while Anita, Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba and Paul Dummett once again started in defence in front of Karl Darlow between the posts.
Manuel Pellegrini made three changes from the side that won at Stamford Bridge, with Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandinho and Samir Nasri making way for captain Vincent Kompany, Fernando and Fabian Delph. The returning skipper played alongside Pablo Zabaleta, Eliaquim Mangala and Kolarov, with Hart playing in goals. Yaya Toure and Fernando protected the back four, while Jesus Navas, Kevin De Bruyne and Delph provided support for Aguero up front.
Newcastle try the offside trap, and then abandon it
In the early stages of the first-half, it was clear that the Toon defence was keeping a high line and looked to prevent City breaks, in particular Aguero by playing the offside trap. This was illustrated in the opening goal and even though the trap somewhat worked (Because Aguero was offside), the linesman judged the lethal striker to be onside. The tactic meant that the visitors were extra dangerous on the counter, with a long ball over the top into space causing one or two problems for the Magpies. It was then noticeable that in the second-half they sat deeper and played a more conventional defensive game, which at times forced City players to take ambitious long shots.
Kolarov left exposed
The left-back may have got an assist for his side’s goal, but other than that he struggled against the right-hand side partnership of Townsend and Anita. Kolarov’s vulnerability was why Sissoko switched the play to Newcastle’s right-wing, and Anita was afforded plenty of space to cut in, shoot and score. One of the reasons the Serbian was left exposed was because central-midfielder Delph lined up just in front of him, having a tendency to come inside rather than dropping back.
Tiote shines for the Toon
The Ivorian, who has been in-and-out of the team over the past few months, went toe-to-toe with Yaya Toure and well and truly showed up his countryman. Interceptions and blocks in key areas were the hallmark of a solid defensive display, but he was also not afraid to take the game on, completing both of his two attempted successful take-ons. A 77% pass completion rate and the most passes, ball recoveries and successful defensive headers than anyone else on the pitch means that Tiote’s performance against Manchester City can be likened to that of Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante, who has been a linchpin in the Foxes midfield this season.
Newcastle United conclusion
A win would have taken Rafa’s Benitez’s men out of the bottom three, but ultimately this should be viewed as one point gained rather than two points lost. After Manchester City ran riot away at Chelsea on the weekend, Newcastle fans had a right to be worried, but they held their nerve and came away with what could be a crucial point. Any points gained at Anfield this Saturday will be a bonus, while games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are must win before final day showdown with title chasing Tottenham.
Manchester City conclusion
A disappointing outing from the Citizens, who perhaps already have one eye on their Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid. The point here keeps them in third, but they would have liked to get a bigger jump on Arsenal, especially because fourth place will not be good enough for Champions League football if Liverpool win the Europa League. They now face Stoke City at home, before a tricky test away at Southampton, which takes place in the middle of their two legged Champions League tie.
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