Intro
Champions ramp up pressure before decisive north London derby
Manchester
Manchester City trimmed Arsenal FC’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points after a gritty 2-1 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
Nico O’Reilly proved the difference, scoring both goals to extend City’s unbeaten league run to five matches. His 14th-minute strike gave the hosts an early advantage, but Lewis Hall equalised eight minutes later to briefly stun the home crowd.
O’Reilly restored City’s lead in the 27th minute, rising to head home across goal and cap a fast-paced opening half. From there, Pep Guardiola’s men dug deep, defending resolutely as Newcastle pushed for a leveller after the break.
“The win was the most important thing,” O’Reilly said. “We just need to take each game as it comes.”
City’s resurgence has dramatically shifted momentum in the title race. Arsenal, once nine points clear earlier this month, have stumbled with back-to-back draws, allowing the defending champions to claw their way back into contention with successive wins over Liverpool, Fulham and now Newcastle.
Guardiola downplayed talk of pressure but acknowledged the intensity of the run-in. “Every game until the end of the season will be like this,” he said. “It’s a step at a time.”
Elsewhere, Aston Villa were held 1-1 by Leeds, while Chelsea FC drew 1-1 with Burnley, keeping the battle for Champions League places finely poised.