Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester City (Gordon 58’ pen | Gvardiol 35’)
ST JAMES’ PARK – When Anthony Gordon signs his new Newcastle United contract – most likely sometime in the next seven days – it will be an investment in more days like this.
Gordon is the dynamo that powers everything good about Eddie Howe‘s side. The low wattage displays that have dimmed optimism on Tyneside have stemmed partly from their No 10’s curious listlessness.
Here, up against one of the best defences in Europe and just in the nick of time to ward off the latest set of searching questions for Howe, it felt like the spark had returned to one of their most important players.
It was no surprise that it was the catalyst for Newcastle’s most encouraging performance of the campaign so far.
Apparently hurt by suggestions his body language at Fulham a week ago betrayed a lack of commitment to the black and white cause, Gordon began the game by hurtling into a set of challenges that set the tone for Newcastle’s spiky approach.
He ended it some 97 minutes later by collapsing to the floor with cramp, which summed up the effort he had expended.
Gordon is the sort of player who feeds on emotion, so the pre-game unfurling of a giant flag replica of his shirt felt significant.
It was a message that the summer flirtation with Liverpool – transfer speculation that was prompted by a desperate call by Newcastle in June – had been forgiven.
And Gordon, set to become one of the club’s biggest earners when he commits until 2029 next week, certainly responded.
His penalty equaliser, converted with aplomb after he drew Ederson into a panicked dive, was just reward for an afternoon spent scurrying, chasing lost causes and exerting pressure from the front. It also felt like a fresh start after Newcastle’s summer of uncertainty began to seep into the season.
He wasn’t the only one who looked in better nick. Bruno Guimaraes is still not firing on all pistons but there was more intent against a higher calibre of opposition.
Kieran Trippier – not withstanding being beaten by Jack Grealish in the build-up to Manchester City‘s opener – also illustrated why Howe had worked so hard to keep him at St James’ Park.
But it was the vision of Sandro Tonali, handed his first Premier League start this season, that seemed to lift Newcastle out of their early season funk. He tired as the game wore on but his ability to break the lines makes him a shoo-in to start every week from here on in.
Newcastle’s energy collided with a City side that haven’t quite hit their stride yet, despite being unbeaten in all competitions. They ebbed and flowed here, not quite able to make the big moments count.
Erling Haaland, the man who has been responsible for so many of them this season, was kept mostly quiet by a stout effort from Dan Burn.
Guardiola will know what the narrative is from here on in and this year’s riddle is going to be winning without Rodri. Few in the global game can control a contest like the Spaniard and without him the champions were just too measured and methodical.
Newcastle defended really well without the ball – their organisation a testament to Howe’s training ground re-set this week – but it was the kind of puzzle Rodri has relished solving in recent seasons.
Without him they were left looking to Grealish – probably their best player in the first half – and second-half substitute Phil Foden to unpick a sea of black and white shirts.
They couldn’t quite manage it and will fret that first Arsenal and now Newcastle have provided a blueprint for opponents this season.
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