Premier league reigning champions, Manchester City suffered a huge setback as Newcastle came from a goal down to record a remarkable victory over the defending champions at St James’ Park.
Two defensive lapses cost Pep Guardiola’s side the chance to cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to one point. The Reds face Leicester at home on Wednesday.
City could not have got off to a better start when Sergio Aguero’s hooked home after only 24 seconds.
The Argentine also had a goal disallowed soon after when referee Paul Tierney adjudged Kevin De Bruyne had delivered a free-kick before he gave him the signal. The Belgian was booked as a consequence.
Guardiola’s side rarely troubled Magpies keeper Martin Dubravka thereafter, and Rafael Benitez’s men grew in belief.
The home support erupted in the 66th minute when Salomon Rondon instinctively fired in after connecting with Isaac Hayden’s header from 12 yards out.
And the match turned on its head in the 78th minute when the Magpies were awarded a penalty after Fernandinho – overplaying at the back – fouled Sean Longstaff in the area after being robbed of possession.
Matt Ritchie waited more than two minutes as City keeper Ederson received treatment, before firing his spot-kick beyond the reach of the Brazilian.
City had not lost to Newcastle in 22 league games, with the North East club having only collected three points from a possible 66 against their opponents.
Guardiola’s side came to St James’ Park on the back on a 5-0 thrashing of Burnley in the FA Cup, and having put three goals past Huddersfield and Wolves in their previous two league encounters.
Nothing less than three points seemed likely and when Aguero fired City into the lead inside a minute, following a cross from Raheem Sterling, that became an apparent certainty but then, City eased off the pedal.
They continued to dominate possession but Newcastle sat deep and only allowed City’s widemen to get in behind them on a handful of occasions.
Sterling should have made the most of those rare crosses that got through into the six-yard area, but he failed to attack Leroy Sane’s delivery – much to the frustration of his manager.
And Magpies keeper Dubravka only made one save of note – a block to keep out David Silva’s effort in the 58th minute, which was City’s final effort on target.
This defeat could be the moment City look back on as pivotal in the title race.
READ ALSO: BURNLEY END ‘FANTASTIC SOLSKJAER’S WINNING RUN AT OLD TRAFFORD
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