City 2 Newcastle U 1
September 1st 2018 att.53,946
This was not the easiest of wins. We expected that Newcastle would mainly defend and park a few buses in front of their goal and it would take a lot of luck and creativity to get those three points. An early splendid strike by Sterling was a good sign but overconfidence took over and a surprise Newcastle equalizer was a bit of a shock. Where was Mendy and Jesus failed to catch up the scorer. We did have a few chances but it took a great shot from over 30 yards by Walker to seal the win. It was his first goal for the club and a terrific effort. Walker had not scored since November 2015. We do not shoot often enough from outside the penalty area and I hope Walkers effort will bring more longer range shots. Unlike the Huddesfield match Mendy rarely dashed down the wing and crossed. Mahrez who started rarely stood out and there was no sign of Sane ( perhaps he was selling a progamme somewhere!). The defence did not have a lot to do and Ederson hardly had a shot to save. Aguero had a few good chances but could not find the net. City have now notched 750 goals in the Premiership - 160 at Maine Road and 590 at the Etihad.
Before the game Vincent Kompany was presented with a plaque celebrating his ten years with the club
Looks like four at the back and both Aguero and Jesus up front. Sterling and Mahrez started on the wings. Muric was on the bench with Bravo off injured
With Newcastle bringing plenty of fans as usual I only spotted one belly laugh!
An early shot by Mahrez goes wide
On 8 minutes Mendy passes to Sterling who cut in and shot past the keeper to give City the lead
It was his second of the season and well taken and it was important for City to get an early goal
A Silva effort is blocked
A familiar figure in charge for the visitors
On 16 minutes Aguero just shoots wide
Dubravka saves from Jesus
Good heavens Ederson has to make a catch
On the half hour Rondon put over a great cross to the speedy defender Yedlin who scored from close range and it was one all - we did not expect that!
The Newcastle fans had something to shout about
A free kick by Aguero is blocked
a City attack again blocked
City continues to attack and Dubravka was kept busy until half time
A Silva free kick is blocked on 49 minutes
On 52 minutes Aguero passed to Walker
..who shot from 32 yards at the Newcastle goal......
...and scored a great goal. What a way to notch your first City goal!
The City players and fans really liked that one!
Pep gives Bernardo instructions before he came on for Jesus
Another city corner is cleared
Oh great - City have scored again.......
Oh no we have not- the flags up!
Fernandinho has a shot saved
Dubravka saves from Silva
Silva heads just wide from a cross by Mahrez
A Sterling effort just misses to the left
Dubravka saves the day again for Newcastle
Good heavens - Ederson has to make a save
Just before the end Aguero had a good chance but failed to score shooting wide
team
Ederson 6.5: Walker 8, Stones 7, Laporte 6.5, Mendy 6.5: Fernandinho 7,
Silva 7.5 ( Kompany) , Sterling 7, Mahrez 6 (Gundogan) Aguero, Jesus ( Benardo Silva )
