EPL: Man City move within two points of Arsenal as Chelsea draw again

Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in their English Premier League (EPL) encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The late EPL fixture of the day saw Pep Guardiola’s defending champions grind out a much-deserved victory thanks to Nico O’Riley’s double, as they continue their hunt for league leaders Arsenal in the EPL title race.

O’Riley put Manchester City ahead in 14 minutes with a fierce shot from Omar Marmoush’s pass, rifling into the far post, and the goalkeeper Nick Post could only touch the ball on its way in for 1-0.
Newcastle, however, found their way back into the encounter on 22 minutes when Hall slammed a deflected shot into the net from the edge of the area after a poorly cleared corner kick fell kindly for him, levelling the encounter.

The lead lasted only five minutes as O’Riley completed his brace. He nodded Erling Haaland’s cross beyond Pope into the net for 2-1, handing City a lead they held on to at the break.

The second half was filled with nibbling fouls and fewer chances; both Antoine Semenyo and Joellinton blazed wide from promising positions, while Haaland’s tame effort was effortlessly gathered.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Man City goalkeeper, saved all three points for his side with a dive to deny Harvey Barnes’ low drive in the final moments.

Man City reduced Arsenal’s lead to two points with the hard-fought victory; Guardiola’s side is on 56 points from 27 matches. Newcastle United remain in 10th place with 36 points.

In other matches, Chelsea made it two consecutive draws, drawing 1-1 against Burnley at Stamford Bridge. The Blues took the lead in five minutes, Joao Pedro had Wesley Fofana sent off on 72 minutes, before conceding a 90th-minute equaliser to dent their top-four aspiration.

RESULTS
Chelsea 1-1 Burnley
West Ham United 0-0 Bournemouth
Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds United
Brentford 0-2 Brighton
Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United