Anthony Gordon won a disputed penalty and then scored from the spot to win Newcastle a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at St James’ Park, putting an early dent in the title contenders’ Premier League hopes.
Ederson was booked for attempting to play the ball but preventing an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and Gordon, playing as a centre striker in place of injured Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, sent the ‘keeper the wrong way to tie the game.
Sub Phil Foden had City’s finest chance to retake the lead, but his shot from Erling Haaland’s flick went straight at Nick Pope.
A powerful shot from Bernardo Silva late in the game tested the Newcastle keeper, but Pep Guardiola’s team performed poorly.
Man City, playing for the first time in the Premier League since Rodri was sidelined for the season and still without Kevin De Bruyne, battled to get through Newcastle’s thick defensive but lead at halftime thanks to Josko Gvardiol’s goal. Following brilliant build-up play by Jack Grealish, the left-back fired into the bottom corner from within the area.
There was concern in the first half that City would lose Haaland to injury after the striker was grabbed on the ankle by Dan Burn’s studs, but he was able to continue despite the severe cut.
The defending champions have lost their previous four Premier League games when they have been without Rodri and De Bruyne from the start, and while they broke that streak on Saturday, they will leave the North East disappointed.
Written by Jennifer Amarachi
