Nico O'Reilly's double helped Manchester City to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle to move within two points of leaders Arsenal in this enthralling Premier League title chase.
Pep Guardiola has been deliberately coy about Man City's title chances so far this season, a stance that is surely set to change in the coming weeks. Even he must now accept that his side are perfectly placed to take this race all the way to the finale in May.
City are actually the only team in the league on a winning run greater than one game, form that has seen them eat up a nine-point deficit to Arsenal, who play Tottenham live on Your Site on Sunday.
O'Reilly was the star of the show with two goals either side of a Lewis Hall deflected effort, all scored in a frantic 13-minute period in the first half. Hall's strike was Newcastle's first league goal at the Etihad since 2018, but Eddie Howe's side lacked sufficient quality in the final third, not managing another shot on target until stoppage time of the second period - albeit Dan Burn found the net with a header but was swiftly ruled offside.
Anthony Gordon, fresh from scoring four in Europe midweek, and Joe Willock made Gianluigi Donnarumma work but he barely looked troubled until the dying seconds when Harvey Barnes tried to make his presence felt from a hopeful long ball. The visitors' xG value did not get above 0.60. City, meanwhile, were denied five times by Nick Pope and should have made the scoreline far more comfortable late on when both Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were refused.
Their title hopes are well and truly alive, unbeaten in five, with Guardiola acknowledging just how much the result meant with a lap of the Etihad at the final whistle, pumping his fists in celebration. "Today the connection with our fans was the best of the season," Pep reflected, "five home games left in the Premier League, we need that vibe."
Man City boss Pep Guardiola:
"Newcastle are an incredibly complete team, it's so tough. They are aggressive, they win duels, man-marking, but we were there. We learn today that is the rhythm, the level of the football, that's why all these teams are in the Champions League. I'm really pleased for the victory."
On title prospects: "We have a lot of new players, that's why they have to live it. I've said, forget about it. We have to improve, it's not enough. To compete to win the Premier League you have to be there. We proved ourselves to win the three points but we have to do better to have the chance to do it.
"I say to the guys, 'take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days, enjoy life'. And after that, make a proper three training sessions and go to Leeds. That is a proper way. I know how difficult it will be. If it doesn't go well, we keep going, never give up. Ten or 11 games is a lot in the Premier League."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe:
"A good effort physically. It's been a tough run of fixtures. I want the players to empty, to give everything in the pursuit of winning. I thought we played with a good plan. The two goals we didn't defend well enough, two errors. But I'm pleased with the effort.
"The league table isn't what we wanted it to be. In part, it's not based on tonight. We're heading in the right direction. That's the most important thing because it means long-term we're going to be fine.
"We're trying to win every game, not trying to overthink games. We don't want to lose momentum. The feeling has been strong, togetherness is strong, you see that in the second half. Overall, the players are all out, doing the best for this football club."
