Manchester City set a new record after securing a 1-0 win over Newcastle United in their first home game of the season.
Premier League
Result: Manchester City 1-0 Newcastle United
Date: 19 August 2023
Venue: Etihad Stadium
City manager Pep Guardiola recalled Julian Alvarez and Ruben Dias, with Cole Palmer and Nathan Ake dropping to the bench while Newcastle were unchanged from their big win over Aston Villa last weekend.
The home side will be without star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne for the next few months and it showed early on, as they struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances in the opening 15 minutes.
Newcastle, meanwhile, did look lively on occasions, particularly down the right flank as Miguel Almiron and Kieran Tripper linked up to good effect.
The home side went on to break the deadlock in the 31st minute when Phil Foden raced forward before teeing up Alvarez, who took one touch before rifling the ball into the top corner.
City nearly bagged a second goal just before the halftime break when Jack Grealish and Foden combined to set up Erling Haaland, who saw his first-time effort sail inches wide of the upright.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe responded with a double change ten minutes after the break, as Anthony Gordon and Joelinton made way for Harvey Barnes and Sean Longstaff.
Haaland, who had a quiet first half, should have doubled City's lead after the hour mark after being played in by the influential Foden, however the Norwegian striker scuffed his effort, which sailed wide of the mark.
Newcastle, however, were unable to find a way back into the contest as the Citizens saw out the remaining stages to claim a win, which is their 17th in a row and a new club record.
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