(Football news) Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City showed grit, determination and resolve to salvage a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United. Pep Guardiola’s side had won 27 games out of 28 when they had scored first and it looked like the pattern would continue once again when Ilkay Gundogan found the back of the net in the 5th minute. However, the visitors simply couldn’t cope with Allan Saint-Maximin’s pace and power, who was responsible for all three goals scored by Newcastle as they went 3-1 up.
The winger provided the assist for Miguel Almiron to level the scoring with a diving header in the 28th minute, which was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR intervention. The 25 year old Frenchman then found Callum Wilson for the second goal in the 39th minute with the striker beating Reuben Dias and scoring past goalkeeper Ederson. Saint-Maximin was then awarded a freekick after being fouled by John Stones and Kieran Trippier curled home a stunning effort in the 54th minute.
It looked like Newcastle United would secure the three points but City, who are unbeaten since February showed great resolve as new signing Erling Haaland scored from a corner in the 60th minute before Bernardo Silva levelled the scoring just four minutes later thanks to Kevin De Bruyne. The drama did not end there as Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier received a red card by referee Jarred Gillett for a high challenge on De Bruyne but VAR intervened and the player received a yellow card instead. Both sides couldn’t find a breakthrough to secure the three points with both Newcastle and City being forced to settle for a draw.
Speaking after the match, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said “It was an incredible game, a rollercoaster of emotions through the match. We go one-nil down and it's the worst possible start against this team because then you have to chase the game and potentially leave open spaces, but the players responded brilliantly to that. We scored some great goals, I was absolutely delighted with the effort and commitment, everything the players gave.
“I'm sure for the neutral it was an incredible game, for us as managers you're torn because we were 3-1 up and you're desperate to win, but we needed something from the game and I think the players deserved that. We brought our physicality to the match, it was something we spoke about all week. We wanted to make them uncomfortable, get our crowd in the match, these are things we felt we didn't do against them last year. We wanted to put them under pressure and make them leave here feeling like they'd been in a game. Not speaking for them but I think they would have felt that because certainly we were in their faces and committed physicality very well".
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said “They arrived more than usual in our final third but they didn't have many clear chances apart from the Almiron shot. We had the clear, clear chances to score but scoring three goals is good. Newcastle are becoming one of the toughest opponents – they have quality, they are strong. This is the Premier League. Leeds beat Chelsea. It's so difficult for everyone. This kind of experience shows us how amazing we have done in the last five years and how difficult it will be but we will try.
"They managed to get contact into Saint-Maximin and when they arrived there, his aggression with the ball was so dangerous. You have to stop it before he gets the ball. He's an excellent player. Kyle [Walker] did an incredible job, I know it's a difficult job. That's why we had to run more than usual. We played an excellent game, the chances we had to score more goals. We were excellent."
Also read: Premier League: Leeds United thrash Chelsea at Elland Road
