Game Week 3: Big Game Review

 The Champions in Jeopardy at St. James' Park

The Premier League holders Manchester City faced an uphill task at St. James' Park after going up a goal in the fifth minute through the German talisman İlkay Gündoğan. Many, me included, assumed this would be a normal matchday in Manchester City books. Seeing the Pep Machine destroy another team which has been the usual since Guardiola took charge. But this Sunday afternoon had a few aces up its sleeve.

Remember the name, Allan Saint-Maximin, the 25-year-old Frenchman had the entirety of Man-city's defence on skates. Using his speed to zoom past the opposition, the main victim was former Spurs and English player, Kyle Walker. Earning himself man-of-the-match, the 5' 8" speedster registered two assists to goals from Miguel Almiron in the 28th minute and  Callum Wilson in the 39th minute which saw The Magpies reclaim the lead.

The third goal, a screamer by Kieran Trippier had the crowd of 52,258 on its feet. Trippier has taken four direct free-kicks for Newcastle in the Premier League since the start of last season. Scoring in all of them.

A 3-1 lead against the Blues must have felt like a dream, and in reality, it was.

 

The Magpies were grateful to the England goalkeeper for two big saves with his feet to keep his side in the game - the first from Kevin De Bruyne in the tenth minute, following a City counter-attack, the second from Phil Foden six minutes later. Pope then made another vital save, diving full length to keep out De Bruyne's free-kick

In the second half, the visitors came out strongly forcing Pope to make another superb save to push Erling Haaland's shot onto a post. It was a superstar performance from the Englishman and Gareth Southgate will have a decision to make on who to start in the forthcoming World Cup.

10 minutes after the 3rd Newcastle goal, The Blues were already level. A close-range shot from Haaland and a threaded pass from De Bruyne enabled Benardo Silva to make it 3-3. 

In the 74th minute, Trippier was harshly shown a straight red card for a foul on De Bruyne inside the City half, but referee Jarred Gillett overturned his hasty decision after being advised to check the VAR monitor.

The dying minutes of the game had both teams on edge, both treading carefully ensuring not to lose the point. And still weary of each other in a counter-attacking perspective. The final whistle saw both teams take a point

 Savoury and dramatic, what a game in St James' Park! A true thriller. Newcastle United are a force to reckon with now, and they made sure to let the Champions know. Manchester City is the Champions and they displayed their stellar mentality to the end.