Manchester City opened up an 11-point gap to leaders Liverpool after they drew with Newcastle United. Dropping two points has left the Sky Blues third but with a mountain to climb if they are to retain their status as champions.
The visitors dominated possession early on dictating proceedings and David Silva cut through the Newcastle defence with a backheel to find Raheem Sterling for the opening goal; his 15th of the season.
Newcastle produced an immediate response through Jetro Willems, who latched onto Miguel Almiron’s pass to provide his first assist since arriving form the MLS almost a year ago.
Pep Guardiola’s side then pressed to regain the lead and were unfortunate not to get back in front after Gabriel Jesus, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva missed chances.
Just when it appeared Newcastle’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravaka wouldn’t be beaten, De Bruyne controlled the ball with his chest and thundered a long-range strike in off the crossbar with eight minutes remaining.
However, Steve Bruce’s side equalised in the dying embers of the match after Christian Atsu surprised the visiting defence to square a free-kick to Jonjo Shelvey, who rifled a shot past Ederson from outside the area.
City fall further off the pace
In the past two seasons, Manchester City have acquired a near faultless 198 points, winning the Premier League title on both occasions.
While those sides had to deal with injury setbacks to Benjamin Mendy, that does not even bear comparison to the current injury crisis this squad is in. Missing so many regular starters is taking its toll at the back, and despite still firing up top, the Sky Blues are dropping points. Guardiola has not been in a position like this since his first season, as City currently sit third, 11 points off the league leaders.
Whether or not City’s Spanish manager can turn things around or not is yet to be seen. Last season Liverpool blew a ten-point lead on the way to a second-place finish, but a repeat of that is looking increasingly unlikely.
Almiron breaks his duck
Since joining the Premier League from Atlanta United in the MLS, the overriding criticism of Miguel Almiron’s stint at Newcastle United was his failure to score or assist a goal. Ten months after his then club-record transfer, he has put the latter of those issues to bed. It was not the finest pass the winger will ever play, but getting off the mark will hopefully give him some much-needed confidence to repeat the feat.
After scoring 62 per cent of their goals via defenders this season, Newcastle need Almiron to start producing results further forward to go along with his energy and enthusiasm to press.
Sterling steps up in Aguero’s absence
Sergio Aguero could be out for up to six weeks, and during that busy festive period, other players are going to have to step up and provide the goals in his absence. Raheem Sterling did just that on Saturday to continue his excellent goal scoring form this season. So far, the England international has 15 goals in all competitions including eight in the Premier League, just one less than his Argentinian teammate.
With Gabriel Jesus appearing rusty at times against Newcastle it might be up to Sterling to front the burden of the goals that Aguero would have provided.
Shelvey shines again
Not for the first time under Steve Bruce Jonjo Shelvey had a majestic display, culminating in a fine finish from distance that caught the champions off guard. Since being reinstated to the side, the midfielder has excelled under Bruce to put in some of his best performances in a Newcastle shirt. His presence amongst the goals must be a welcome relief to the defenders who have found the back of the net with astounding regularity.
Bruce will be keen not to rely on the defensive contribution for goals too heavily, and in Shelvey, he currently has a player who is doing his utmost to contribute to that cause.
Up Next:
During the first round of midweek Premier League fixtures Manchester City travel to Burnley on Tuesday, whilst Newcastle make the trip to Sheffield United on Thursday.
