The current champion of the Premier League, Manchester City, achieved its second victory this season, as it defeated Newcastle by a minimal score at the Etihad. 

In the duel between the two teams that will represent England in the Champions League and the two teams that won in the first round, the champion won. City didn’t excel, but they were still better than solid Newcastle.

Many times in previous seasons, when Kevin De Bruyne was injured or left out by Pep Guardiola, it was shown that the organization of the game of Manchester City could creak without the footballing ideas, imagination, and virtuosity of the Belgian.

Newcastle arrived at the Etihad in the 2nd round of the Premier League, carried by the confidence derived from the masterful opening of the championship and the fireworks against Aston Villa.

The Magpies had an ideal opportunity to hurt Pep Guardiola’s men. However, instead, they got a lesson – it’s not every day Aston Villa, and you still have a lot of ground to plow and battles to fight and giants to beat to threaten the champions.

The guest defended well, and the team’s top scorer Erling Haaland was especially well-guarded. Phil Foden made a gift, and after a great action, he assisted in the 31st minute Julian Alvarez, who scored the only goal.

The English representative set up seven opportunities for his teammates, including the one he prepared for Julian Alvarez in the 31st minute. The Argentinian shot perfectly from the penalty area, uncatchable by Nick Pope, and the ball ended up in a small net.

Compared to last week’s clash against Villa, when Newcastle scored five out of 13 shots on target and could have scored at least three or four more goals, tonight, the guns of Howe’s team were empty.

The visiting team had moments of better and more concrete play than the rivals, but it was difficult to get into positions to shoot. Ederson didn’t even have a chance to sweat since only one shot went into his goal. Erling Haaland did not score a goal for the second game in a row, but today what was expected from the Norwegian was masterfully replaced and delivered by Julijan Alvarez.

Eddie Howe is one of the most promising English managers, but Pep Guardiola’s scalp is still missing. This defeat was his 12th in 13 head-to-head encounters with the Spaniard, and Newcastle against Manchester City has very worrying statistics.

The citizens inflicted 30 defeats on their rival from the north in the Premier League, more than any other opponent.

In the 3rd round, Manchester City has an away game against Sheffield United, and Newcastle will have another derby match against Liverpool at home.