Julian Álvarez’s stunning first half was enough to separate the two sides as Manchester City earned a hard-fought win over Newcastle United.
Both teams called each other back in the first half, but Álvarez broke the deadlock in the first moment of real quality. Good work from Phil Foden put the ball into the Argentine’s path and he hit a wooden kick from the box into the far corner.
Foden then set up Erling Haaland for his first chance of the game, but his shot went just wide.
City couldn’t find the second to give them some breathing space to give Newcastle some hope of getting back into the game, and the arrival of Harvey Barnes off the bench added some spark to Eddie Howe’s side, who hit a shot from 25 yards. who tested Ederson.
Both Haaland and Foden had shots that flew over the crossbar, but in the end, Álvarez’s strike was enough to level the match and ensure City’s start to the campaign remains perfect.
The Champions travel to Sheffield United next weekend, while Newcastle welcome Liverpool to St.James’ Park.