MCI Post-Match Review: Newcastle United vs. Manchester City

In our latest Premier League clash, Manchester City took on Newcastle United at St. James Park. A slightly difficult match to gauge in hindsight, both sides were eager to make a statement despite dealing with significant injury woes. For City, the absence of superstar midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri meant a significantly changed side. Newcastle had to make due without Swedish striker Aleksander Isak. 

First Half: 

In a clear attempt to combat Newcastle’s physicality in midfield and mitigate Rodri’s absence, City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic playing the double pivot. Fans may question certain absences from the XI but Pep’s tactical approach was clear. Newcastle’s Brazilian central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes lined up at the heart of the Magpies 4-3-3 formation with Dan Burn leading their back line. A well-coached and organized side with plenty of attacking talent to hurt City, Newcastle started the match with a lively and aggressive press, eager to please their home crowd. City dominated possession from the start as usual, with an under pressure Ederson showcasing his notorious composure through a backheel pass to Walker (Pep didn’t like that). It was a very disjointed first half until Erling Haaland found Bernardo Silva. Unfortunately,  a poor pass caused Ilkay Gundogan to take a very weak shot, barely phasing Magpies keeper Nick Pope. In the 34th minute, the Croatian sensation Josko Gvardiol showcased nimble, striker-like footwork in the box, switching from left to right and firing in a perfect low corner shot to make it 0-1 to City. While the goal received the plaudits it deserved, further credit must be given to Jack Grealish, who beat his man on the sideline and created the chance for Josko on a silver plate. Despite the sluggish start, the defending champs found a way through.

Newcastle’s physical play and high pressing continued, eventually forcing Ederson into making a key save to deny Joelinton just before the break. Overall, City managed to withstand Newcastle’s aggression but still found it challenging to dominate play. Seemingly on a mission this season to return to his best form, Jack Grealish was everywhere on the pitch, blocking shots, carrying the ball, providing outlets for his teammates and providing the assist on the Gvardiol goal. Gundogan in particular seemed off on the day, lacking finesse on several of his touches. City’s other Croatian star, Mateo Kovacic, also played well. His role and performances will be crucial in Rodri’s absence. 

 Second Half: 

 In the second half Newcastle’s energy and persistence paid off. In somewhat of a controversial decision, Anthony Gordon won a penalty following a challenge from Ederson, confidently converting it to bring the score to 1-1. This marked a shift in momentum as Newcastle grew into the game, especially after a quiet first half. City, despite dominating possession earlier, were clearly rattled and struggled to maintain any semblance of tempo. Newcastle’s Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, re-integrated into the squad following a long-term suspension for betting charges, began to clash with Jack Grealish, physically and verbally. As tempers continued to rise, both players eventually were given yellow cards, reflecting the increasing intensity of the match. Foden’s introduction into the match caused a roar among City supporters who have eagerly been awaiting his return to the squad and discovery of top form. But it just wasn’t City’s day, as Gundogan and Foden both missed clear cut chances, firing directly at Nick Pope’s hands for two easy saves. Pep Guardiola’s side created opportunities but struggled to capitalize, as Newcastle’s defense remained resilient. Kyle Walker’s challenge on Joelinton left City fans holding their breath.. However, no penalty was awarded after a VAR check. Ultimately, the game ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw​. 

The City players who stood out in the second half: 

•  Bernardo Silva: was particularly sharp, creating multiple chances and testing Newcastle’s goalkeeper Nick Pope with a powerful shot that required a superb save​.

• Jack Grealish was involved in key offensive actions, constantly troubling Newcastle’s defense. His dribbles and passes played a crucial role in sustaining City’s attacks, though he was also involved in a heated exchange with Sandro Tonali that led to both being booked​.
• Mateo Kovacic: helped maintain City’s control of the midfield, dictating the tempo and breaking up Newcastle’s counterattacks​.

Thoughts/Facts:

• Josko Gvardiol has been involved in more goals than any other defender in the Premier League (6) in 2024. (TNT Sports) 
• Jack Grealish is the first player to create 5+ chances and win 5+ fouls in a PL match in 2024 since 2020 this has happened 13 times with 6 of them being from Grealish. (Squawka)
• Resilience from Newcastle: After a difficult first half where City dominated possession, Newcastle showed great character to come back in the second half. Anthony Gordon’s equalizer through a penalty was crucial, as it gave Newcastle momentum and confidence against one of the league’s toughest sides​.
• City’s midfield control but lack of edge?: Manchester City controlled the tempo of the game, particularly through Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva, who were excellent in possession. However, despite creating several chances, they lacked the final touch to break down Newcastle’s compact defense in the second half​.
• Physical and tactical battle: The match was marked by physicality, with key players like Jack Grealish and Sandro Tonali engaging in confrontations. Newcastle’s defensive resilience and City’s pressing game created a tightly contested encounter, where neither side could completely impose themselves​.

Key Stats:

• Final Score: 1-1
• Possession: Manchester City 62%, Newcastle 38%.
• Shots: City had 16 shots, with 6 on target, while Newcastle managed 11 shots, 4 of which were on target.
• Corners: City 6, Newcastle 5.
• Fouls: City committed 10 fouls, compared to Newcastle’s 14.​

Tactics:

Man City Tactics

• Possession: As is typical under Pep Guardiola, City focused on dominating possession, holding 62% of the ball during the game​. The strategy was to build play from the back, using their defenders and deep-lying midfielders to stretch Newcastle’s shape.
• Attacking wide through wingers: City relied heavily on Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva to create chances from wide areas, aiming to break down Newcastle’s compact defense. Grealish was particularly effective on the left wing, contributing to City’s buildup for Gvardiol’s first-half goal​.
• High pressing: City’s pressing was aggressive, particularly after losing possession. They aimed to win the ball back quickly, especially high up the pitch, to prevent Newcastle from launching counter-attacks​.

Newcastle Tactics

• Defensive resilience and compact shape: Newcastle played with a well-organized defense, focusing on maintaining a compact shape to absorb City’s pressure. They crowded the midfield to disrupt City’s rhythm and made it difficult for City’s attackers to find space​.
• High pressing and counter-attacks: Despite their lower possession, Newcastle was aggressive when City had the ball in their defensive third. Eddie Howe’s side employed a high press to force mistakes and attempted quick transitions, utilizing Anthony Gordon and Joelinton to counterattack down the flanks​.
• Physical play and set-pieces: Newcastle adopted a physical style, with strong challenges and strategic fouls to disrupt City’s flow. They also focused on winning set-pieces, hoping to exploit City’s defense from corners and free kicks​.

MOTM: Jack Grealish

Written by: Matty

Edited by: SHEIKH