Newcastle v Man City LIVE: Result and reaction after Anthony Gordon penalty earns Magpies point
Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City: Gordon converted from the spot as the champions suffered another set-back in their title pursuit
Manchester City were dealt another early blow to their Premier League title hopes as Newcastle secured an impressive home point at St James’ Park.
In the absence of influential midfielder Rodri, out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s side lacked their usual calm, composure and creativity. Having taken the lead through Josko Gvardiol ten minutes before half time, the visitors struggled to create consistent chances.
Anthony Gordon equalised from the penalty spot after the forward, playing centrally with Alexander Isak injured, was felled by Ederson having burst beyond the Manchester City defence. Neither side could force a winner late on, with Nick Pope making a fine save from Bernardo Silva to secure a draw. A point apiece suits the hosts rather better than the champions, with Liverpool able to usurp Manchester City at the top of the table with victory at Wolves later.
Re-live all the action from the Premier League clash below:
Kovacic, Lewis, Stones? How Manchester City replace injured Rodri
Manchester City appear to have suffered a major blow with Rodri set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal.
The midfielder was substituted in the first half of the clash of Premier League rivals at the Etihad Stadium, with the club confirming that he has suffered ligament damage.
It is an injury that may render the 28-year-old unavailable for the rest of the campaign, leaving Pep Guardiola without his key midfield fulcrum.
While the Manchester City manager often rotates elsewhere, Rodri is firmly established as a vital figure at the base of midfield and rarely misses the club’s biggest games.
But an expensively-assembled squad does provide Guardiola with a number of alternative options as he looks to replace the Spaniard, including Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and perhaps even John Stones at times.
Kovacic, Lewis, Stones? How Manchester City replace injured Rodri
Rodri ruled out for rest of season after Man City star undergoes surgery
Rodri has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City confirmed the Spanish midfielder has successfully undergone surgery.
Rodri suffered ACL and meniscus damage to his knee in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
“He had surgery this morning,” Guardiola said. “ACL and some meniscus. So, next season he will be here. This season is over [for him].”
Team news
Pep Guardiola also makes three changes, with one forced on him after that injury to Rodri. The Spaniard is replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Both Jeremy Doku and Savio drop out of the attack, with Bernardo Silva moving to right-wing and Jack Grealish coming in on the left. Rico Lewis also comes into midfield.
Team news
Eddie Howe has made three changes to the Newcastle side that lost 3-1 to Fulham last week.
In defence, Lewis Hall replaces Lloyd Kelly at left-back. Alexander Isak drops out of the squad due to injury, and Sandro Tonali comes in to midfield. Joe Willock is replaced by Jacob Murphy too.
Line-ups
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Murphy, Tonali, Gordon, Barnes.
Subs: Dubravka, Krafth, Osula, Livramento, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff, Murphy
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, Grealish, Haaland
Subs: Ortega, Carson, Stones, Doku, Savinho, Nunes, Foden, McAtee
Team news
Here’s a recap of the early team news – the line-ups will come out at around 11.15am.
Newcastle have no new injury concerns from the loss to Fulham last week, and with their Carabao Cup match against Wimbledon being postponed due to rain, the Magpies missed picking up any injuries in that competition too.
For City, the big injury news is that Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal.
In addition, Pep Guardiola will be without Nathan Ake until after the October international break, while Kevin de Bruyne remains a doubt.
Prediction
Despite the injury to Rodri, Newcalte’s mixed form gives City an advantage before the game even starts. City should have the quality to get yet another away win, but expect the Magpies to raise their performance level to make it a close encounter.
Newcastle 1-2 Manchester City.
Predicted line-ups
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Murphy; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, Gundogan; Savio, Haaland, Foden.
Odds
Newcastle 10/3
Draw 12/5
Man City 1/2
Man City team news
For City, the big injury news is that Rodri could be ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal.
In addition, Pep Guardiola will be without Nathan Ake until after the October international break, while Kevin de Bruyne remains a doubt.
It remains to be seen how Guardiola will set up without Rodri, with Mateo Kovacic used against Arsenal when the Spaniard came off last week.
Newcastle team news
Newcastle have no new injury concerns from the loss to Fulham last week, and with their Carabao Cup match against Wimbledon being postponed due to rain, the Magpies missed picking up any injuries in that competition too.
Eddie Howe will of course pick the strongest side possible against City, though he may be struggling to figure out exactly which players that side consists of after unconvincing displays against Fulham and Wolves.
Lloyd Kelly and Joe Willock were both replaced at half-time in the Magpies’ loss last week, so Lewis Hall and Jacob Murphy could expect to start in their places. Alternatively, Sandro Tonali could come in to make his first league start since the end of his betting ban.
The front line of Barnes, Isak and Gordon seem to have cemented their places in the starting line-up, as have Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in midfield.
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