Champions City Edge Newcastle in Seven-goal Thriller

 

Man City began their latest Premier League reign with a thrilling 4-3 victory at Newcastle, with Ferran Torres’ hat-trick helping City to more history.

Pep Guardiola’s side walked out to a guard of honour at St James’ Park, having clinched the Premier League title on Tuesday evening after Manchester United’s defeat to Leicester gave them an unassailable lead.

It was a good thing they already had the trophy wrapped up too, otherwise Friday’s game would have proved to be a nail-biting and nervous evening where the pendulum continuously swung between the two sides.

Newcastle – who are already assured of their own Premier League safety – took a shock lead when Emil Krafth (25) nodded home his first top-flight goal, beating Man City debutant Scott Carson. But City replied with a quick double – Joao Cancelo (39) and Torres’ (42) superb first strike firing the champions in front.

But there was more VAR drama to come in the first half. In the second minute of injury time, Nathan Ake’s clumsy challenge saw Joelinton fouled in the area. Referee Kevin Friend initially turned down the penalty after Allan Saint-Maximin was adjudged to be offside in the build-up, but VAR ruled the Newcastle forward onside and the penalty was subsequently awarded. Joelinton (45+6) then hammered home from the spot to level things up before the break.

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