Newcastle vs. Manchester City: Score, Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Manchester City missed a chance to open a gap in the race for automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday.

City were pegged back on a night when Sergio Aguero scored his 100th Premier League goal. But Vurnon Anita’s fine first-half strike answered that score to earn the relegation-threatened Magpies a point.   

The game wasn’t without controversy, including Aguero appearing offside before his goal. Referee Kevin Friend also denied Aguero a penalty later on.

A point apiece means third-place City now lead Arsenal by the same slender margin, while neighbours Manchester United are just five points off. Both teams have a game in hand on the Citizens.

For Newcastle, it’s another point toward survival. The Magpies are still second off bottom but have closed the gap to safety to just two points.

As usual, Aguero was chosen to lead the line for a City starting XI packed with midfield power. Underrated holding player Fernando partnered with Yaya Toure and Fabian Delph.

But the real news was the return of skipper and key centre-back Vincent Kompany, per the club:

Ten minutes to go! Here’s a reminder of your #mcfc XI. @NieldyMCFC here with #nufcvcity updates for you. #CMONCITY! pic.twitter.com/RopZyOSNXI

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) April 19, 2016

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez made a bold call by ditching skilled midfield man Georginio Wijnaldum to the bench in favour of inconsistent forward Ayoze Perez. Papiss Demba Cisse was also up front instead of Aleksandar Mitrovic, per the team:

TEAM NEWS: Here is how Newcastle United will line up against Manchester City …

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