A look at what the national media had to say following Newcastle's defeat at Manchester City.
Lack of goals a major worry if Newcastle are serious about qualifying for the Champions League
Chris Beaven of BBC Sport said: "Newcastle's spirit was admirable but their lack of goals remains a concern - they have now managed only three goals in eight league games in 2023, which is a big reason why they have not won any of the past five of them.
"But there were signs of life in their attack here, starting in the first half when Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff both had good chances - Wilson miskicked from just eight yards out, while Longstaff took too long to shoot, allowing Nathan Ake across to block.
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"The Magpies were even more of a threat when Allan Saint-Maximin, Joe Willock and Isak were all introduced at the same time, just after the hour mark, but they could not make the most of the period of pressure that followed.
"Silva's strike underlined how finishing was the biggest difference between the two sides on the day, and Newcastle will have to find their cutting edge if they are going to stay in the hunt for a Champions League spot."
Manchester City's extra quality saw them over the line against a wasteful Newcastle
Jamie Jackson for the Guardian: This was Newcastle’s first outing since the Wembley loss to Manchester United and they were playing chase-ball. Kevin De Bruyne, Grealish, Gündogan, Haaland, Rodri and Foden zipped possession about in a fashion that had Howe’s players flailing.
Three moments ensued that could have led to goals. Trippier dropped the ball into City’s area, Ederson came a long way and fluffed the catch but his side remained intact. Next, De Bruyne’s chip gave Haaland a free, close-range header which he missed. Then Longstaff floated a pass to Trippier who teed up Wilson only for the striker to miskick.
It was the prevailing narrative of the contest: a final ball or attempt of questionable quality. Rodri and De Bruyne continued the theme after the sides changed ends, spraying intended through passes off-target, though Grealish’s thumping effort that missed to Pope’s left had the keeper watchful.
Newcastle won't reach Manchester City's level overnight
Chris Waugh for the Athletic:
"At the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, half of the 16 players Howe used were on the books before the 2021 takeover. There has been only one summer transfer window under this ownership and, as Dan Ashworth, the also-still-new sporting director, has preached internally, it will require at least two more of those before Newcastle will boast a player pool that can challenge for the duration of a season.
"In their past three matches, the quality gap has been spotlighted. There has been a frustrating theme running through the defeats to Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City. Newcastle have competed fiercely, have given the impression of being equals in many facets of play, yet, crucially, their shortcomings in both penalty areas have been punished by well-versed teams who ruthlessly grasp their opportunities."
Individual brilliance wins the match for Manchester City
Joe Bernstein for the Daily Mail: "Being an irritant is no defence against individual brilliance as Newcastle found to their cost as they came up against a rejuvenated Phil Foden at the Etihad.
"It was Erik ten Hag who described Eddie Howe’s team as ‘annoying’ before last weekend’s Carabao Cup final. Manchester United put the upstarts in their place at Wembley and yesterday it was the turn of their neighbours City to keep pace with Arsenal in the title race.
"Newcastle were their normal mix of dogged defending, lengthy stoppages and missed chances and there was one entertaining heavyweight flare-up between Erling Haaland and Dan Burn. But in the end the points were settled in a more thrilling fashion."
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