Pep Guardiola’s emotional celebrations underlined how crucial the win was for Manchester City as they edged Newcastle United 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
City showed resilience rather than their usual free-flowing dominance, digging deep in a tense encounter. Erling Haaland impressed with relentless pressing and physical presence, setting up one of Nico O'Reilly’s two goals. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma then produced a vital late save to deny Newcastle an equaliser.
The result leaves City just two points behind Arsenal, who now face added pressure ahead of their north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Guardiola rewarded his squad with three days off, telling them to “enjoy life,” as the Premier League title race intensifies.
