Erling Haaland’s grimace said it all. Rather than booting the ball into the net, as usual, the Manchester City star kicked the air in anger after seeing a header easily claimed by Nick Pope in the 95th minute. It was a measure of how well Newcastle United defended in a 1-1 draw against four-times champions Manchester City.
Haaland, who became the first player since 1930 to reach double figures in the opening five matches of a top-flight season, and who has scored a scarcely believable 73 goals in 72 Premier League games, tellingly cut a frustrated figure at St James’ Park. Newcastle limited the Manchester City star to just 34 touches. For context, only midfielder Rico Lewis had fewer for the visitors.
However, this was far from a backs-to-the wall display. Newcastle looked more like their old energetic selves – pressing intently and playing without fear – and Howe felt it was Newcastle’s most competitive display yet against Manchester City. All without a recognised striker. No wonder Fabian Schar remarked: “It just shows what level we can be…we showed what we were capable of.”
Newcastle also did what countless sides have failed to do: recover after going behind against Manchester City. Josko Gvardiol put the visitors in front, but Anthony Gordon fired Newcastle level from the spot before the hour mark as the Magpies claimed just their second point against the champions since 2020.
Pep Guardiola was certainly impressed – the Manchester City boss told Howe how much he ‘admired him for the way he approached the game’ on the touchline at full-time – while Mateo Kovacic admitted the visitors were ‘happy with a draw’. How often do you hear that?
There was certainly a renewed edge to Newcastle; Sandro Tonal even squared up to Jack Grealish at one point, shoving the Manchester City forward back to the floor in the second half, after the England international barged into him.
