Premier League
8:00 PMFebruary 21, 2026
Regular Season – 27
Etihad Stadium
Referee: Thomas Bramall, England
Manchester City
Newcastle
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1.35
Expected goals (xG)
0.39
Passing
387 (84%)
Accurate passes
288 (81%)
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Substitutes
D
Abdukodir Khusanov
M
Rayan Cherki
1
G
James Trafford
5
D
John Stones
82
D
Rico Lewis
4
M
Tijjani Reijnders
26
F
Savinho
14
M
Nico Gonzalez
M
Phil Foot
Premier League Standings – Premier League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Relegation – Championship
Manchester City secured a crucial 2-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle at the Etihad, with young forward Nico O’Reilly delivering a match-winning double. His decisive goals ensured City overcame a spirited Magpies side, reclaiming vital points in their title chase.
Coming into the fixture on February 21, 2026, Manchester City sat second in the league, boasting strong form (WWDWL) and aiming to close the gap at the top. Newcastle, positioned tenth (WLLLD), sought to disrupt City’s momentum and climb closer to European qualification spots. Head-to-head records heavily favored City, winning 11 of the last 15 encounters.
The game started with immediate intensity. Newcastle’s Dan Burn received a yellow card in the 9th minute for a foul, setting an early physical tone. However, it was City who struck first in the 14th minute. Omar Marmoush provided a sharp assist, allowing Nico O’Reilly to open the scoring for the home side.
Newcastle responded quickly, finding an equalizer eight minutes later. In the 22nd minute, Lewis Hall broke free, slotting home a goal from a precise Jacob Ramsey assist. This brought the score level, igniting the contest further as both teams pushed for control.
The parity was short-lived. Manchester City immediately regained the lead in the 27th minute. Erling Haaland turned provider, setting up Nico O’Reilly for his second goal of the match. O’Reilly’s clinical finish put City back in front, completing a rapid exchange of goals.
As the first half concluded with City leading 2-1, the game felt finely balanced. Newcastle had shown resilience, but City’s attacking prowess, particularly through O’Reilly, proved decisive. The second half promised more tactical adjustments and continued battling.
The second half began with Manchester City making an early change, substituting Ruben Dias for Abdukodir Khusanov at the back. The physical nature of the game continued, with Joe Willock and Bernardo Silva collecting yellow cards early in the half for Newcastle and City respectively.
Newcastle attempted to refresh their attack, introducing Noah Woltemade for Joelinton, and Harvey Barnes for Joe Willock in the 60th minute. This was followed by more yellow cards for Barnes and Kieran Trippier, reflecting Newcastle’s frustration as they struggled to break down City’s defence.
Despite numerous substitutions from Newcastle, including Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon in the 78th minute, they could not find a way past the City backline. City also brought on Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden later, ensuring fresh legs and maintaining control in the midfield. Joelinton received a late yellow card for rough play in the 89th minute.
Manchester City dominated possession with 56% and registered 15 total shots, with 7 on target, leading to an Expected Goals (xG) of 1.35. Newcastle managed 11 shots, 5 on target, and an xG of 0.39, highlighting City’s superior offensive threat. Nick Pope made 5 saves for Newcastle, keeping them in contention.
This hard-fought 2-1 victory solidified Manchester City’s position in second place, putting pressure on the league leaders. For Newcastle, the defeat halted their climb up the table, leaving them with work to do to secure a European spot.
