Anthony Gordon gained a controversial penalty after which scored from the spot to earn Newcastle a 1-1 draw with Manchester Metropolis at St James’ Park and dent the title favourites’ Premier League bid.
“I do not suppose it is a penalty,” mentioned former referee Mike Dean on Soccer Saturday after seeing Gordon race by means of on aim after which hit the deck after Ederson slid at his ft and appeared to make slight contact with the ahead.
Ederson was booked for “a real try and play the ball however [denying] an apparent goal-scoring alternative”, in accordance with the officers, and Gordon – enjoying as a centre ahead within the absence of injured pair Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson – despatched the keeper the incorrect solution to stage the match.
Sub Phil Foden had Metropolis’s finest likelihood to regain the lead however despatched his shot from Erling Haaland’s flick straight at Nick Pope. The Newcastle keeper was labored tougher by a robust shot from Bernardo Silva late on however this was a below-par show from Pep Guardiola’s crew.
Metropolis, enjoying for the primary time within the Premier League since Rodri was dominated out for the season and nonetheless with out Kevin De Bruyne, struggled to select a manner by means of Newcastle’s deep defence however led on the break by means of Josko Gvardiol’s opener. The left-back discovered the underside nook from contained in the field following good play from Jack Grealish within the build-up.
The England winger performed a key position in Metropolis’s late equaliser towards 10-player Arsenal final weekend and confirmed he’s returning to type with neat play right here – though he later risked a purple card when he lashed out at Sandro Tonali, who he had a working battle with all through.
There was concern throughout that first half that Metropolis would lose Haaland to harm after the striker was caught on the ankle by the studs of Dan Burn however he was capable of proceed regardless of a nasty lower. Harm-hit Metropolis – who solely had eight gamers on their bench, together with two goalkeepers – might sick afford to lose their entrance man too.
The defending champions have misplaced their final 4 Premier League video games after they’ve been with out each Rodri and De Bruyne from the beginning and whereas they ended that streak on Saturday they are going to go away the North East annoyed.
Metropolis nonetheless lead the Premier League desk forward of the 3pm kick-offs on Saturday however Arsenal or Liverpool – who go to Wolves stay on Sky Sports activities from 5.30pm – might go prime by the tip of the day, with Newcastle sitting in fifth, three factors off the summit.
Extra to comply with…