After Manchester City triumphed at Anfield, Pep Guardiola remarked that all his team could do was maintain relentless pressure on Arsenal. With the gap narrowed to just two points, Arsenal surely feels the heat, particularly after forfeiting points at Molineux and with a crucial north London derby coming up on Sunday. Meanwhile, City seems to be gaining momentum that Arsenal appears to have lost.
In the aftermath of Arsenal’s setback against Wolves, City showcased a player ready to seize the moment. They’ve invested around £430 million over the last three transfer windows, yet it was a player from their own ranks who made the most impact. Three newly signed midfielders, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki, started on the bench, while the homegrown talent Nico O’Reilly took the spotlight with his debut Premier League brace. Remarkably, he is now tied with Erling Haaland in goal tallies for 2026, evoking memories of Yaya Toure’s iconic performances from City’s past.
O’Reilly’s journey could still lead him to the World Cup. Meanwhile, Guardiola continues to redefine and reinvent his players. Once a No. 10, O’Reilly has transformed into a formidable left-back and is now flourishing as an attacking midfielder. “He played full-back, holding midfielder, and now he can play in his true position,” Guardiola reflected. “What a player. Nico gives us the physicality we need in the middle.”
As for Haaland and Omar Marmoush, the designated strikers, they became O’Reilly’s creative forces, both contributing assists. O’Reilly’s first goal was a stunning 18-yard strike after a powerful run to meet Marmoush’s pass. The Egyptian, selected for his scoring ability against Newcastle, turned provider instead. His second goal came from a cross lofted by Haaland, which O’Reilly met with a powerful header. “The assist from Erling was unbelievable,” Guardiola commented, noting that while Haaland is likely to claim his third Premier League Golden Boot, he also ranks first in assists this season alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Nico O’Reilly scored the opening goal of the game for Man City (PA)
City could have increased their lead further, with Antoine Semenyo and Marmoush coming close, while Nick Pope made a crucial late double save from Haaland and Phil Foden. No additional goals translated into a need for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s impressive stop at the 94th minute to thwart Harvey Barnes and secure the win.
Despite the tension, the outcome felt almost certain. This marked City’s fifth consecutive win across competitions and their third over Newcastle in the year 2026, with the chance for a fourth when they meet again in the FA Cup in two weeks. Newcastle’s futile streak at the Etihad stretched another 17 matches, last earning a point there back in 2006. They did, however, come close to breaking that pattern.
Lewis Hall finally broke Newcastle’s goal drought at the Etihad Stadium, scoring their first top-flight goal there since 2018 and during Eddie Howe’s management. Hall’s strike, deflected off Rodri, marked a personal milestone as his first goal in 21 months.
Lewis Hall equalised in the 22nd minute for Newcastle (Action Images via Reuters)
After Newcastle’s equalizer, City quickly regained the lead within five minutes, asserting their dominance early on. They displayed a fast-paced style, which initially overwhelmed Newcastle, who managed to rally later on. “You have to consider the midweek game and the travel,” Howe noted, as 10 players in his lineup had featured in their recent match against Qarabag in Azerbaijan. “The lads put in a solid effort physically.”
Howe expressed disappointment over the defensive lapses that led to the two goals. Newcastle came close to scoring twice themselves. Dan Burn initially celebrated a goal from Sandro Tonali’s free kick before being ruled offside—appearing to have been nudged into an offside position by Ruben Dias, although Howe refrained from protesting the decision.
Despite being under pressure, Newcastle posed threats, notably through Anthony Gordon’s pace on the break. Donnarumma was forced into a splendid save as Gordon sped past Marc Guehi, and a foul by Dias on the rampaging Gordon resulted in a booking. Gordon departed at halftime, with Abdukodir Khusanov coming on and diminishing the attacking threat thereafter. Guardiola’s adjustment proved effective.
O’Reilly restored the lead five minutes later (AP)
As they left the pitch, City was welcomed with cheers and applause, having entered to a guard of honor from their 1976 League Cup-winning team that defeated Newcastle in the final—an event marking City’s last major trophy win for 35 years. It almost felt as if the current squad should have been the ones honoring their predecessors.
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This revamped City squad may not have accumulated much silverware yet. “Seventy percent of the players have never been in this situation,” Guardiola observed, but they appear better prepared to handle the pressure than Arsenal.