/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/PTFSQUN5UZLOFCC2L27G5XOCKM.jpg "Man City see off Newcastle, Man Utd lose at Spurs")
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Newcastle United – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – August 19, 2023
Newcastle United players applaud fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes Acquire Licensing Rights
Aug 19 (Reuters) – Premier League champions Manchester City achieved a club-record 17th consecutive home win in all competitions but had to work hard for a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
A brilliant goal from Julian Alvarez secured the points for Pep Guardiola’s team, but the visible relief they expressed at the final whistle spoke volumes about Newcastle’s strong performance.
City’s win took them to six points from two games, level with Brighton and Hove Albion, who earlier in the day beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 away.
Manchester United, on the other hand, failed to join City and Brighton at the top of the table as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in Ange Postecoglou’s first home game as manager of the London club.
Liverpool, coming from behind, defeated Bournemouth 3-1, but ended the game with 10 men after Alexis Mac Allister received a red card in his home debut.
Brentford extended their unbeaten streak to 11 London derbies with a comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham, who also finished with 10 men after Tim Ream was sent off for conceding a penalty.
Despite the absence of Kevin de Bruyne, who had recently undergone surgery for a hamstring injury sustained in the previous 3-0 win against Burnley, Manchester City effortlessly dominated the first half of the match. Alvarez broke the deadlock with a powerful strike in the 31st minute, assisted by Phil Foden.
Newcastle grew in confidence in the second half, but they discovered that City not only excels in attack, but also boasts one of the strongest defenses in Europe, as Eddie Howe’s side failed to breach their goal.
“There was a moment around 60-70 minutes in and I thought we could get control but they are a very good team and played through the press a few times,” Howe commented. “They strangle you with the ball to a degree. You tire yourself out getting it back and with fatigue the decision-making goes slightly.”
Tottenham continued to dispel the doubts surrounding the team as they demonstrated life without Harry Kane in a lively performance against a lackluster Manchester United. Pape Matar Sarr’s first Premier League goal, high into the net from a deflected cross just after halftime, along with a late own goal by Lisandro Martinez, sealed Tottenham’s victory, giving them four points from two games.
“We want to entertain for sure but in terms of being successful,” Postecoglou said. “The atmosphere was incredible today. The energy the fans created was amazing.”
Brighton’s impressive start to the season continued as they currently share the top spot with Manchester City on goal difference. They thrashed Wolves with three goals in a devastating nine-minute spell in the second half. Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for Brighton in the 15th minute with a sensational solo goal, and also assisted Pervis Estupinan for the team’s second goal in the first minute of the second half. Solly March then scored twice in four minutes, with Julio Enciso providing the assists on both occasions.
Liverpool, who had previously recorded a 9-0 victory over Bournemouth, faced a tougher challenge this time. They fell behind to an Antoine Semenyo goal, but bounced back with goals from Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota. However, the shine of the victory was tarnished as Mac Allister received a red card for a high tackle.
“Horrible start to the game,” commented Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp. “We needed a few minutes to shake it off and then we were really good.”
Bryan Mbeumo scored twice and Yoane Wissa added another goal as Brentford outplayed Fulham at Craven Cottage. Fulham’s chances further diminished when Tim Ream conceded a penalty that allowed Brentford to secure a 2-0 lead. “The game was finished from that moment,” said Fulham boss Marco Silva.
On Sunday, West Ham United will face Chelsea, while Aston Villa will host Everton, with all four teams eagerly searching for their first win.
Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Hugh Lawson
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Acquire Licensing Rights, opens new tab