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?
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Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has spoken about Marcus Rashford amid the uncertainty over his Manchester United future. Speculation surrounding Rashford’s future increased this week after he was left out of United’s matchday squad for the derby win over rivals Manchester City. On Tuesday night, journalist Henry Winter posted his interview with Rashford, during which he asked the Englishman whether he is staying or going. Rashford went on to reply: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.” As a result, with the January transfer window on the horizon, Rashford has been linked with a host of different clubs around the globe. Despite not being directly linked with the North London club, Spurs boss Postecoglou was asked about Rashford ahead of their Carabao Cup tie against United. The Australian said: “No interest, don’t care, no interest. He’s a Man United player, a very good player, they’ve got plenty of good players. “But I manage my players and I guess other managers will manage their own players. In terms of Marcus’ situation, I have no real desire to examine it any further.” When pushed on whether Spurs would consider a move for Rashford, Postecoglou added: “Oh, mate, if I looked at everyone who we were linked to I’d have no time to do anything else, to be honest. I’ve got other people to do that part of the process. “For us, we’ve been pretty disciplined in terms of what we’re trying to build here and will continue to be so. You can ask me about Marcus, but you could ask me about any Premier League footballer, I’m going to say the same thing.” Marcus Rashford new club latest odds Odds were correct at the time of writing via Sky Bet Paris Saint Germain – 11/4 Any Saudi Pro League Club – 11/2 Arsenal – 9/1 Any MLS Club – 10/1 Chelsea – 12/1 Barcelona – 14/1 Bayern Munich – 16/1 Juventus – 25/1 Real Madrid – 25/1
December 19, 2024
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.
