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Pep Guardiola: Liverpool 'In Debit' to Manchester City Amid Fixtures Talk

Dec 4, 2019
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Pep Guardiola the head coach / manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester City at Turf Moor on December 3, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Pep Guardiola the head coach / manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester City at Turf Moor on December 3, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola has played down suggestions Liverpool face fixture congestion during December, saying the Premier League leaders are still behind the curve after his Manchester City squad played additional games that ran into double digits last season.

Guardiola was asked about the Reds playing as many as 10 times this month, following City's 4-1 win away to Burnley on Tuesday, per Caoimhe O'Neill of the Liverpool Echo: "Last year we played 10 games more than Liverpool so don't worry, they are in debit. It's what it is, it's a crazy month month in December, but no problem, we are going to try."

Liverpool's run of fixtures in December will also take in the UEFA Champions League holders' participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar. The Reds also have to negotiate a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Aston Villa on Tuesday, December 17, as well as a Champions League group game against FC Salzburg, with qualification for the last 16 still on the line.

League games against Everton, Bournemouth, Watford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and title rivals Leicester City also await Jurgen Klopp's men during the festive period.

By contrast, City will be in action seven times, including Carabao Cup and Champions League duty against Oxford United and Dinamo Zagreb, respectively. Before then, a derby against local rivals Manchester United awaits on Saturday, while games against Arsenal, Leicester, Wolves and Sheffield United also need to be played.

City look to have a slight edge, at least on the surface, especially after cutting the gap at the top to eight points by winning at Turf Moor.

However, Guardiola was quick to rule his team out of the title picture given the gap to Liverpool, per the Guardian's Jamie Jackson. The difference in points isn't the only thing stacked against the Citizens entering a significant part of the season.

A lengthy injury list is also hampering a squad deep and talented enough to win the league, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during the 2018-19 campaign. Centre-back Aymeric Laporte, left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, winger Leroy Sane and striker Sergio Aguero are among the high-profile absentees Guardiola has had to deal with.

City's injury problems are the main reason Guardiola and Co. are adrift in the title scrap, but Liverpool have fitness woes of their own. Specifically, key holding midfielder Fabinho won't be involved again until 2020 while he gets over an ankle injury, according to James Carroll of the club's official website.

Meanwhile, star striker Mohamed Salah has also needed to be managed amid similar concerns.

Klopp will need to proceed with caution to keep his standout players fresh for the important fixtures.

While Guardiola feels the Reds don't merit sympathy for what could be called a "champagne problem" for a team in the box-seat in the title race, there is no denying how Liverpool navigate December will define not only their fortunes, but also those of their nearest rivals, including the Citizens.

Man City's Gabriel Jesus Says He Has to Score Every Game to Match Sergio Aguero

Dec 4, 2019
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester City at Turf Moor on December 3, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester City at Turf Moor on December 3, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus said he needs to find the net every time he gets on the pitch if he's to match Sergio Aguero. 

Jesus scored twice in the Argentinian's absence as City beat Burnley 4-1 on Tuesday.

He told the broadcasters of the game, Amazon Prime (h/t MailOnline's Jeorge Bird):

"Sometimes it is like this, I know my quality, and I know I can score every game, but it is difficult. I have Sergio with me, and I have to learn from him because he is a legend of football and the club. 

"I have to score when I play because Sergio scores every time—that is my ambition. I want to play and score every time."

Jesus opened the scoring with a sublime curling finish in the 24th minute before volleying home Bernardo Silva's ball in five minutes into the second half.

Robbie Brady replied late on for the Clarets after Rodrigo and Riyad Mahrez had put the game beyond any doubt:

It was a fine performance from Jesus, as football statistician Dave O'Brien demonstrated:

Jesus' outing was much improved from Saturday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, in which he struggled to get into the game.

Football author Colin Millar observed his struggles at St. James' Park:

As rivals for a place up front go, there aren't many more difficult to compete with than Aguero.

The 31-year-old is City's all-time record scorer, having plundered 244 goals from 354 games. In his eight full campaigns with the club, he's averaged almost 29 goals per season.

He has missed the Sky Blues' last three matches in all competitions with a thigh injury, though. He has also scored just once in the Premier League since September 21, having opened the campaign with goals in each of the first six games.

Jesus, 22, isn't likely to permanently unseat him any time soon, but he can give manager Pep Guardiola a dilemma when Aguero returns if he continues to play as he did on Tuesday.

Gabriel Jesus, Manchester City Cruise Past Burnley in 4-1 Premier League Win

Dec 3, 2019

Manchester City bounced back from their draw at Newcastle with a 4-1 win over Burnley during Tuesday's Premier League action. Gabriel Jesus scored twice in the routine win.  

The Brazilian bagged his first goal after 24 minutes and doubled his tally after the break. Rodri added to the scoreline with a spectacular hit after 68 minutes, locking up the three points, and substitute Riyad Mahrez also got his name on the scoresheet. Robbie Brady ruined Ederson's clean sheet late. 

City predictably took control of the ball early, patiently working it around the Burnley half as they searched for an opening.

The visitors wanted a penalty when the ball appeared to hit James Tarkowski in the arm, but replays showed there was no real contact.

Kevin De Bruyne aimed the first dangerous shot of the match right at Nick Pope, and the stopper did well to intercept a dangerous cross from Bernardo Silva. He was powerless to stop Jesus' well-struck effort after 24 minutes, however, with the Brazilian doing well with his finish after a great pass from David Silva.

Jesus continues to be most effective on the road:

De Bruyne took a knock during the build-up to the goal but was able to continue after some treatment.

City continued to prod for a second goal, and Pope only just denied Raheem Sterling after a wonderful cross from De Bruyne. Dwight McNeil fired Burnley's best chance of the half at Nicolas Otamendi before Silva again put Pope to work after a strong counter.

The Manchester Evening News' Stuart Brennan was impressed with City's first-half efforts:

City needed just five minutes to double their lead after the break, and once again, Jesus got the finish. The forward wasn't picked up in time when he made his run and deposited Bernardo Silva's cross past Pope.

Per Goal, both the cross and finish were excellent:

The second goal took the pressure off the City attack somewhat, with more space opening up. Jesus tried for his hat-trick moments after his brace, but his drive just missed the target.

McNeil challenged Ederson with a relatively tame free-kick before Rodri made it 3-0 with a fantastic strike after David Silva's initial shot was blocked:

The pace of the match dropped after City's third goal, but there was time for two more in the final minutes.

First, Mahrez was allowed far too much time on the ball to close ground to goal, and he fired an excellent strike past the reach of Pope.

Just minutes later, Jeff Hendrick somehow worked a cross into the path of Brady, who got a late consolation goal for the hosts.

   

What's Next?

City face Manchester United in the derby on Saturday. Burney will also be in action on Saturday, when they visit Tottenham Hotspur.

Man City's Kyle Walker Says Liverpool 'Deserve' to Top EPL, Talks Title Race

Dec 3, 2019
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Kyle Walker of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on November 10, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Kyle Walker of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on November 10, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has said Liverpool are deserving of top spot in the Premier League this season. 

The Reds are eight points clear of Leicester City and 11 ahead of the Sky Blues.

Per Goal's James Westwood, Walker said:

"The opposition are probably working us out a bit. Or the opposition are getting better. We are still the same squad. 

"We have changed very little. We are still adopting a ­professional mentality around the place.

"We have to take our hats off to Liverpool. They have been fantastic, and credit where it is due. They ­deserve to be top, but it is not over until it is over."

Both teams had difficult afternoons on Saturday as City faced Newcastle United and Liverpool hosted Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Reds extended their lead at the summit of the English top flight.

City out-shot Newcastle 24 to six, but the Magpies twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at St. James' Park:

It is not the first time this year that Newcastle have claimed a positive result at home to City, as football journalist Richard Jolly observed:

https://twitter.com/RichJolly/status/1200787157474054144

Pep Guardiola's side have already failed to win five matches this season. In the entirety of last campaign, they only failed to win six times, and they were nine points better off at this stage.

The Reds are unbeaten and were at this point last season, but they're four points better off having won 13 of 14 games.

They looked to be cruising against Brighton after Virgil van Dijk's brace put them 2-0 up after 24 minutes.

Liverpool endured a tense finish, though, when goalkeeper Alisson was sent off for handling the ball outside the area, and Lewis Dunk converted the resulting free-kick with 11 minutes of normal remaining.

Football writer Leanne Prescott hailed the Reds' ability to keep their winning run going despite the circumstances:

In terms of performance, Jurgen Klopp's side haven't hit the heights they're capable of this season. They've shipped seven more goals than they had at this point in the last campaign, and they've kept just two clean sheets.

However, their resilience in the face of setbacks has separated them from City and allowed them to open up the considerable gap between them.

City have shown in recent years they're capable of putting together some incredible runs—they won each of their final 14 league games last season—but even if they do something similar again, Liverpool's refusal to drop points could prevent them from making up that ground.

Pep Guardiola Says Decision on New Fernandinho Contract Will Be Made Next Summer

Dec 3, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Fernandinho of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk at Etihad Stadium on November 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Fernandinho of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk at Etihad Stadium on November 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said the club won't make a decision on whether to give Fernandinho a new contract until the summer. 

Fernandinho's deal will expire on June 30, so he'll be leaving the club if they don't offer him a new one.

Per James Robson of the Evening Standard, Guardiola said:

"I think at the end of the season we are going to decide on the situation.

"The players who finished their contracts, the players with full contracts, what we have to do is what we believe is the best for the club and organisation for next season."

City brought in Rodrigo from Atletico Madrid last summer as a long-term defensive-midfield replacement for Fernandinho, 34.

On paper, the Spaniard looked to be the perfect recruit for City in this position thanks to his blend of impressive technical skill and robust physicality.

However, as The Athletic's Sam Lee observed, he has struggled somewhat in the early months of his City career:

Meanwhile, a long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte early in the season prompted Guardiola to use Fernandinho as a makeshift centre-back.

The Brazilian has adapted to the new position well, and he has been keeping natural centre-back Nicolas Otamendi out of the starting lineup.

Per BBC Sport's Mike Minay, Guardiola recently explained his decision to keep Fernandinho in defence, despite having two fit centre-backs:

However, Robson believes City are missing him in midfield:

Whichever position he plays, it's clear that despite his age he's still a valuable asset to City.

However, he'll be 35 in May, and his time at the top level will likely be coming to an end soon.

Much could depend on how well Rodrigo performs for the remainder of the season. If he settles in and rediscovers the form he showed with Atleti and City strengthen their defence next summer, they'll be able to let him move on.

Should Rodrigo continue to struggle, keeping Fernandinho for another year could help them continue their transition.

Pep Guardiola Doesn't Want to Sign Any Players in January for Manchester City

Dec 2, 2019
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: City manager Pep Guardiola reacts before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on November 30, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: City manager Pep Guardiola reacts before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on November 30, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he does not want to sign any players in the January transfer window. 

The Citizens are 11 points behind leaders Liverpool and have lost key stars such as Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte to long-term injury but Guardiola is not looking to add to his squad, per FourFourTwo.

"I don't want any players in January. If we cannot do it in summer, we cannot do it in January. When they come in January for the next four, five, six years maybe we could think about it, but that is not possible. Normally the players we could think would be interesting and add something to our squad – they are not going to be sold."

Laporte's injury has weakened Manchester City defensively, and they have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions.

Guardiola does have Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones available but seems unwilling to play the duo together and has preferred to deploy midfielder Fernandinho as one of his central defenders which has attracted criticism:

https://twitter.com/AdamCatterall/status/1200791110848860161

The City boss has defended his decision to play the Brazilian in defence. Per Simon Stone at BBC Sport, he said: "I like Fernandinho playing in that position a lot. I prefer him there. That's why he plays."

Manchester City will have to continue to cope without Laporte for a little while longer. He told Jon Turner at The National he expects to return within the next two months.

The Premier League champions have been linked with strengthening in January. Jonathan Northcroft at the Sunday Times reported that Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu has emerged as a target.

Guardiola's comments suggest there will not be any new arrivals this winter, but a summer rebuild may be on the cards particularly if the club relinquish their Premier League title and fail to deliver the UEFA Champions League.

Aymeric Laporte: Man City 'Still Have Time' in PL Defence, Injury Return Update

Dec 2, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Aymeric Laporte hopes to return from injury in six to eight weeks and also said Manchester City "still have time" to catch Premier League leaders Liverpool in this season's title race. 

The 25-year-old hasn't featured since he suffered a serious knee injury on August 31, which has forced manager Pep Guardiola to use midfielders Fernandinho and Rodrigo in central defence at times.

Laporte is expecting to make a return in the early stages of 2020, and he told The National's Jon Turner: "(My recovery) is going very well. Still I need time, but I hope as soon as possible I can come back and play with my team-mates. I can't say when exactly, but more or less one month-and-a-half to two months."

City lost more ground in the title race following a dramatic 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Saturday, leaving them third in the Premier League but 11 points behind rampant Liverpool.

Asked whether he felt the Citizens can catch up, Laporte added: "Yes, of course. Last year was quite similar when (Liverpool) had a similar lead, but we still have time this year to recover, to catch them and to again try to win the Premier League, so we hope we can do that. We need to make sure we work a lot and don't lose any more games."

It hasn't been an easy run for the defending Premier League champions without such a prized star. Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News said Laporte's absence has further highlighted existing holes in Guardiola's squad:

His defence was already weakened after former captain Vincent Kompany left to join Anderlecht in the summer, while John Stones has also endured some injury concerns in recent months.

City have one win in their last five games and failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven outings.

Guardiola & Co. were unbeaten in four games prior to Laporte's injury, and it seemed telling that the team lost 3-2 at Norwich City—their first defeat of the season—in their first match following his blow.

TalkSport's Matt Scott compared City's different centre-back combinations from last season, illustrating the impact a superior pairing can have:

https://twitter.com/Matt5cott/status/1173669020316459009

Liverpool are still yet to lose a domestic game this term—their only defeat of the campaign so far was a 2-0 UEFA Champions League loss at Napoli—and they've dropped just two points in the league.

Sitting between last season's top two is Leicester City in second. Former Foxes scout Steve Walsh recently told Love Sport Radio he thinks the 2015-16 Premier League champions can cause another upset:

https://twitter.com/lovesportradio/status/1201463521743007745

Laporte is on course to return for City in mid-January to early February, with the Etihad Stadium anticipating the return of one of its key defenders ahead of the end-of-season run-in.

John Stones: Manchester City Title 'Chase Is Still On' After Newcastle Draw

Nov 30, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: John Stones of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: John Stones of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Manchester City defender John Stones believes the team's title challenge isn't over, despite the Citizens falling 11 points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

City drew 2-2 away to Newcastle United before the Reds beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1. It means last season's champions are off the pace in second and having played a game more than third-place Leicester City, who host Everton at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

Even so, Stones isn't ready to give up the fight. The centre-back said: "The chase is still on. We fight until the last day. That's what we did last season. Anything can happen. Today we played some unbelievable play but those mistakes cost us," per Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror.

Stones also admitted the result at St. James' Park was "hard to take" and lamented the "two sloppy goals" the Citizens conceded to Jetro Willems, which cancelled out Raheem Sterling's opener, and Jonjo Shelvey, who equalised in the 88th minute shortly after Kevin De Bruyne looked to have given City the three points.

Woes at the back are becoming commonplace for City, who have now conceded in seven straight games in all competitions. Such frailty is the the result of key centre-back Aymeric Laporte being out injured, along with left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Their absences have forced Pep Guardiola into pairing Stones with converted holding midfielder Fernandinho. He's also had to recall Benjamin Mendy to the left of the back four, but neither move has given the Citizens the secure base they need to keep pace with Liverpool:

City's soft underbelly has been exposed not only by injuries, but also by a lack of depth in key positions. The failure to replace Vincent Kompany in the summer left Guardiola's squad dangerously light at centre-back.

Kompany's absence also robbed the Citizens of a true leader and organiser in defence, qualities that were in woefully short supply when City's threadbare unit was caught cold by a Newcastle set piece late on, allowing Shelvey to curl home an equaliser from the edge of the area:

Problems in defence are the main reason City have won just one out of five matches in all competitions. Yet the issues aren't solely limited to those playing at the back.

Protection for the defence has also been an issue since Fernandinho dropped into a deeper role. The Brazilian has long been the screen in front of the back four who often breaks up possession or blocks off attackers before they have a chance to threaten.

While his replacements in midfield possess more technical quality and forward-thinking instincts, they lack the 34-year-old's destructive aggression and positional awareness:

Picking the right position for Fernandinho while plugging the gap alongside Stones represents a challenge for Guardiola. He is aware of how costly City's penchant for shipping goals has become, telling BT Sport (h/t the Liverpool Echo's James Findlater): "But we didn't score, and we conceded two times from shots on target, so we have to accept it and work on our strength."

City's strength is creativity in attacking areas, where Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling pull the strings. However, their artistry will count for little if opposition teams don't have to work hard to find goals against a defence creaking more with each passing game.

De Bruyne, Mahrez and Notable Stats for Manchester City from November

Nov 30, 2019

Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez were the stars in what turned out to be a trying month for Manchester City in the Premier League.

The defending champions took seven points from 12 in November following Saturday's 2-2 draw away to Newcastle United. Earlier in the month, City were forced to scrap for narrow wins over Southampton and Chelsea. De Bruyne and Mahrez were on the scoresheet against the latter before the stalemate against the Magpies.

Yet the standout result of the month was a negative one for the Citizens, who lost 3-1 to title rivals Liverpool at Anfield. It's one reason City trail the Reds by eight points, and Liverpool could stretch the gap to 11 points if they beat Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The other reason is injuries catching up with Pep Guardiola's squad. November was the month absences in defence were most keenly felt, with City conceding at least one goal in six-straight games in all competitions, which is perhaps the most revealing of the team's statistics from this period.

Fernandinho did his best to cover for Aymeric Laporte as a makeshift centre-back, but the brilliance of De Bruyne and Mahrez in forward areas kept City competitive.

       

Manchester City Statistical Leaders in Premier League (Per the league's official website)

Goals: Sergio Aguero 9, Raheem Sterling 8, Bernardo Silva 5, Kevin De Bruyne 4, Riyad Mahrez 3

Assists: Kevin De Bruyne 9, David Silva 5, Riyad Mahrez 3

Passes: Rodrigo 790, Fernandinho 731, Kyle Walker 720, Kevin De Bruyne 661, David Silva 600

      

De Bruyne Excels

  • 4 starts, 2 goals
  • 15 total shots
  • Highest Pass Success Percentage: 84 vs. Southampton

       

De Bruyne's only notable statistics were the equaliser against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on November 23 and his wonder goal at St James' Park. Yet those finishes don't come close to telling the full story about the Belgian's influence during the month.

He's been City's creative heartbeat while David Silva missed time with injury. De Bruyne kept himself busy in the final third, driving City's high press and making smart use of possession whenever the ball came his way.

While he couldn't see his team over the line against Newcastle, De Bruyne's spectacular, long-range strike at least secured a point.

His fourth goal of the league campaign cemented De Bruyne's status among a select group of players who have been productive both creating and converting chances in England's top flight this season.

Those numbers would be even better had it not been for the profligacy of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling at Anfield. De Bruyne created excellent chances for both, including a first-half header for Sterling and what should have been a tap-in for Aguero after the break, but was denied assists by inexplicable misses.

De Bruyne, like City as a whole, will enjoy more productive months this season. Yet his November form deserves a mention for the way he endeavoured to keep a depleted team ticking over under difficult circumstances.

      

Mahrez Takes His Chance

  • 2 starts, 1 goal
  • 5 shots
  • Highest Pass Success Percentage: 90 vs. Chelsea

      

Mahrez couldn't find his groove against Newcastle, but the Algerian wing wizard bailed City out of trouble at a critical time with his masterclass against Chelsea. The Citizens were still smarting from defeat on Merseyside and in the midst of being outplayed by the Blues.

Uncharacteristically losing the possession battle left City reliant on individual magic. De Bruyne got them going, but it was Mahrez who turned on the style in key moments.

His flurry of activity in the danger areas of the pitch provided yet another reminder of why the former Leicester City star should start more often. When Guardiola gives him a chance, Mahrez usually seizes it.

With Aguero joining a list of casualties that still features Leroy Sane, Mahrez surely has a key role to play during December. His mercurial talents may yet keep City relevant in this title race.

City will remain a threat as long as players as gifted as De Bruyne and Mahrez direct things in attack, but the bigger challenge for Guardiola involves finding a way to fortify a defence becoming increasingly vulnerable with each game.

    

Unless otherwise stated, stats per WhoScored.com.  

Manchester City Lose More Ground in EPL Title Race After 2-2 Draw vs. Newcastle

Nov 30, 2019
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on November 30, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on November 30, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Manchester City are at risk of falling 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after they were held to a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Raheem Sterling showed smart reactions to put City ahead in the north-east, but Newcastle left-back Jetro Willems got free in the guests' box minutes later to pull the home side level.

Newcastle held tight in the second half until a moment of Kevin De Bruyne brilliance from long range saw Martin Dubravka beaten in sensational style.

But former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey answered back in the 88th minute with his own cracker from outside the box, converting a well-taken free-kick routine to snatch a point for Newcastle and devastate City.

The Magpies climb to 12th for the time, while City are left to hope Liverpool and Leicester City drop points against Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton, respectively, in Week 15.

Gabriel Jesus started up front for Pep Guardiola's side in the north-east after a groin injury saw Sergio Aguero join the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Leroy Sane and Oleksandr Zinchenko on the treatment table.

The Citizens made the trip to Newcastle at third in the Premier League and in need of all three points if they were to put the pressure back on Liverpool and second-placed Leicester City.

No player has scored more goals for City since Guardiola took over than Aguero, but Sterling remained to make the difference after 22 minutes at St. James' Park.

David Silva made a dart into the Newcastle area and showed enough calm to backheel the ball into the path of onrushing Sterling, who made no mistake from only 10 yards out (U.S. viewers only):

Sky Sports Statto pointed out it was Sterling's 50th strike for City under Guardiola, who has gotten the best out of his winger since he came to the Etihad Stadium:

Possession ran overwhelmingly in favour of the visiting team during the first half, as City accounted for more than 75 per cent of the ball, but all Newcastle needed was one quick counter to restore parity.

Miguel Almiron registered his first Premier League assist when setting up left-back Willems, exchanging a neat one-two with the Dutchman before he finished superbly on his weaker foot (U.S. and UK viewers only):

Netherlands international Willems scored a surprise opener when Newcastle lost 3-1 to Liverpool in September, and he got his second Premier League goal against similarly daunting opposition.

Many might see it as a big positive for defenders to contribute to the scoreline, but football writer Jonny Sharples joked it was far from a positive in Newcastle's case:

https://twitter.com/JonnyGabriel/status/1200760589192220672

City's possession had climbed to almost 80 per cent at half-time, yet it was telling of their frustrations that they'd had three shots on target—only one more than the hosts—in the opening 45 minutes.

Guardiola looked short of ideas on how to break Steve Bruce's side down in the second half. He threw on Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden in an effort to provide the creative spark that would ignite the hosts' capitulation, yet Newcastle held firm.

De Bruyne so often assumes the leader role for City, and it was he who provided the "something special" with a golazo that could contend for goal of the season honours (U.S. only):

The Belgian's expertly taken half-volley was only his fourth league goal this season, but De Bruyne is in rare company when it comes to direct goal involvements:

The travelling fans will have thought that intervention sealed matters, but Christian Atsu's dummied free-kick to Shelvey on the edge of City's box minutes later showed a calm about Newcastle (UK only):

Shelvey picked a perfect time to bag his first Premier League goal for Newcastle at St. James' Park, and his former team-mates at Anfield may just be happier than those he currently shares a dressing room with.

Guardiola's side now have just one win in their last five games across all competitions, including a run of three consecutive away games without tasting victory.

Liverpool will move to 40 points and 11 clear of City should they defeat Brighton on Merseyside on Saturday, edging ever closer to what could be the club's first top-flight title in 30 years.

       

What's Next?

The Citizens only have two days' rest before they're scheduled to travel to Burnley when midweek football returns on Tuesday, while Newcastle's first December fixture sees them visit Sheffield United on Thursday.