Newcastle United welcomed in-form Manchester City to St James' Park on Tuesday night knowing that three points would move them out of the relegation zone in the Premier League table.
Sergio Aguero's 100th Premier League goal saw Man City take a 14th-minute lead, but Vurnon Anita levelled in the 31st minute to leave the two teams on terms entering the half-time break.
Both teams had chances to score a second in the second 45 minutes, but it finished level as Newcastle missed the chance to move out of the bottom three.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from St James' Park as Newcastle United welcome Manchester City. Saturday's 3-0 victory over Swansea City has boosted Newcastle's survival hopes and another win tonight would move them above Norwich City and out of the relegation zone. Man City, however, seem to have found their best form in recent weeks and will be looking for a fourth straight league victory in tonight's clash. It should be an entertaining clash in the North East!
To suggest that Newcastle have a rotten record against Man City would quite possibly be the understatement of the century. Indeed, the Magpies have won none of the last 18 Premier League meetings between the two teams and lost the last 12. What's more, Man City, who arrive full of confidence, have won on seven of their last eight visits to St James' Park, which is some record.
Sorry Newcastle fans, but it gets worse. The Magpies have only scored once in their last six Premier League games with Man City and have conceded 23 times in the process. In-form Sergio Aguero also just loves playing Newcastle – hitting 10 goals in eight appearances against the Tyneside club. Earlier this season, Man City thumped Newcastle 6-1 at the Etihad Stadium and they were also 2-0 winners when they travelled to St James' Park during the 2014-15 season. Pray for the Magpies!
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from St James' Park. Who have Rafael Benitez and Manuel Pellegrini selected? Let's find out shall we...
TEAMS:
NUFC: Darlow; Anita, Lascelles, Mbemba, Dummett; Sissoko, Colback, Tiote, Townsend; Cisse, Perez
MCFC: Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Kompany, Kolarov; Toure, Fernando; Navas, De Bruyne, Delph; Aguero
Magpies boss Benitez has made one change to the team that beat Swansea City 3-0 at the weekend, with Ayoze Perez replacing Georginio Wijnaldum, who drops to the bench. Fabricio Coloccini and Daryl Janmaat both remain on the sidelines for Newcastle, meaning another start at full-back for Vernon Anita. Karl Darlow keeps his place between the sticks, while Andros Townsend, who has scored twice in his last three Premier League appearances for Newcastle, is also in the XI.
As for Man City, Pellegrini has made three changes to the team that won 3-0 at Chelsea on Saturday. The big news is that skipper Vincent Kompany, who has missed the last six games with a calf problem, returns in defence, while Fernando and Fabian Delph also come into the XI. Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi have dropped to the bench, while Samir Nasri joins David Silva on the sidelines. Raheem Sterling is back in the squad, but Jesus Navas and Kevin de Bruyne will support lone striker Aguero.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just under 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Newcastle. I shall speak about in-form Man City a little bit later, but let's start with Newcastle, who recorded arguably their most important win of the season on Saturday afternoon – a 3-0 success at home to Swansea City, which moved Benitez's side onto 28 points.
As it stands, Newcastle are still 19th in the table, but they are just two points behind 18th-place Sunderland and just three behind 17th-place Norwich City, who have played one game more. Any win for Newcastle tonight would move them above Norwich on goal difference and leave them out of the bottom three with four matches to play. There is just no downplaying the importance of tonight's match to this club and the atmosphere inside St James' Park is sure to be sensational.
Should Newcastle win tonight, it would be just the second time this season that they have managed back-to-back league victories and despite their poor run of recent form, the Magpies have only lost one of their last six league games at home – recording three victories in the process. Their home form – certainly in relation to the teams around them – is actually quite strong, having collected 21 points from 16 home league games, which is just one fewer point than Chelsea have managed at the Bridge.
On the road, however, Newcastle have been very poor. Just two wins have arrived from their 17 league games away from St James' Park and they have suffered 14 defeats in the process. You also get the feeling that Newcastle will need to score at least twice tonight if they are to collect all the points – indeed, the Magpies have kept just two clean sheets in their last 18 league matches.
A record of seven wins, seven draws and 19 defeats is a representation of what has been another poor campaign for Newcastle. Steve McClaren was sacked after failing to overcome a difficult start to the season and Benitez has also found it difficult to make his mark. The 3-0 win over Swansea boosted the whole club, however, and they have five games, including tonight, to survive.
After this one, the Magpies will travel to Liverpool at the weekend, before welcoming Crystal Palace on April 30. They will then travel to already-relegated Aston Villa, before welcoming title challengers Tottenham Hotspur on the final weekend of the season. There are three tough games in there for the Magpies, but on paper, you feel that Newcastle have enough to survive. It does appear certain that two from Newcastle, Sunderland and Norwich will join Villa in the Championship next season.
As for Man City, Pellegrini's side have won their last three Premier League matches, which is their best run of form since the start of the season. Since losing 1-0 at home to Manchester United on March 20, they have beaten Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion and also recorded an impressive 3-0 victory at Chelsea on Saturday night, where Aguero and De Bruyne ran riot.
As it stands, the former Premier League champions sit third in the table – ahead of fourth-place Arsenal on goal difference and eight points behind second-place Tottenham Hotspur, who kept their title ambitions alive with a stunning 4-0 victory at Stoke City last night. Man City are not going to win the Premier League title this season, but they are in a strong position to finish in third.
Pellegrini's side also have the small matter of a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid to think about, with the first leg against the 10-time European Cup winners due to take place at the Etihad Stadium on April 26. Pep Guardiola will replace Pellegrini at the helm this summer and those two could indeed meet in the Champions League final this season, which would be some story!
After this one, Man City will welcome Stoke City in the league on Saturday, before travelling to Southampton at the start of May. They will then welcome Arsenal one week later, before ending the season away to Swansea City. Pellegrini's side are actually only four points inside of the Champions League positions, but it would be a surprise if they dropped out of the picture when looking at the fixtures that they have to come. We are now just about 10 minutes from kickoff at St James' Park.
A reminder of the two teams for tonight's match...
NUFC: Darlow; Anita, Lascelles, Mbemba, Dummett; Sissoko, Colback, Tiote, Townsend; Cisse, Perez
MCFC: Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Kompany, Kolarov; Toure, Fernando; Navas, De Bruyne, Delph; Aguero
KICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. A win for Newcastle tonight takes them out of the bottom three, but Man City will enter the match on the back of a three-game winning run. Right, the visitors kick things off here...
... as expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result at St James' Park. De Bruyne is already looking dangerous for Man City as he carries the ball down the left.
Half-chance for the visitors as Navas uses his pace to burst into the Newcastle box, but the Spaniard seems to lose his way at the vital moment and Mbemba is across to clear at the near post.
Early possession for Man City as they look to gain control in the middle of the park. Newcastle have looked for the quick counter on a couple of occasions, but it is the visitors looking dangerous here.
CHANCE! Townsend shows super feet in a wide position before delivering onto the head of Cisse, but the striker's effort is over the crossbar. That has raised the supporters though!
Newcastle threaten with a couple of corners in quick succession, but Man City manage to clear their lines and start to threaten themselves once again. It has been a fast start from both teams and only an offside flag prevents Navas from breaking for the visitors. Good game inside seven minutes!
You have to worry about Newcastle's makeshift defence, but they have a lot of talent in the final third and Sissoko, who is wearing the armband, looks in the mood. Delph has the chance to pick out a pass for Man City after loose play from Tiote, but Zabaleta is eventually ruled offside.
It is Navas versus the offside flag at the moment and the flag is winning!
The home supporters are not too pleased as Darlow ends up with possession not long after Newcastle had forced a free kick inside the Man City half. It is a very even game at the moment as both sides battle for control of the possession. Navas is seeing plenty of the ball for Man City here.
Man City have a free kick in a dangerous position as Townsend brings Kolarov to the deck...
... GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Man City (Aguero)
Man City make the breakthrough in the 14th minute as Aguero heads a Kolarov free kick into the back of the net. That is the Argentine's 100th Premier League goal, but he did look offside!
That is really poor from the linesman it must be said. Aguero was clearly in an offside position, but the goal stands and Man City have the lead at St James' Park. The atmosphere has dropped since that goal went in and Newcastle need to be very careful that they do not concede a second in quick succession.
You sense that Newcastle will get chances tonight, but they are looking for Townsend on each occasion that they break forward and Man City are simply doubling-up down the home side's right.
Loose defending from Mangala gives Cisse a chance of beating Hart to the ball, but the Man City stopper is on hand to make the clearance. Not too much to report of substance at the moment.
CHANCE! Poor from Lascelles as the Newcastle centre-back hands possession straight to De Bruyne, but the Belgian's swinging strike is wide of the post. Man City threatening a second!
Navas slips and slices wide as Man City threaten a second goal once again here.
It just is not happening for Newcastle at the moment as Perez fails to meet a quick free kick from Colback, handing possession back to Man City, who just love playing in this stadium. Just a reminder that victory for the visitors tonight would move them three points clear of fourth-place Arsenal.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Sissoko takes the ball away from Fernando before poking it past Kompany and going through one-on-one with Hart, but the Frenchman fires straight into the arms of the Man City stopper. Cisse was in support of Sissoko!
GOAL! Newcastle 1-1 Man City (Anita)
All square at St James' Park! Newcastle hit back in the 31st minute as Anita cuts inside Kolarov before curling a low strike into the bottom corner via the post - what a lovely finish that is!
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and this is much more like it from Newcastle, who have the wind in their sails as they continue to commit players forward. Super game here!
I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals tonight as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. Neither defence looks too comfortable at the moment and chances will surely continue to arrive in the second period. The opening 36 minutes have just flown past here.
Possession football from Man City as they pass and probe in the final third of the field, but Newcastle have bodies in the way and backed by a vocal crowd, continue to clear their lines.
Newcastle hold a strong defensive line and Zabaleta is ruled offside following a long period of Man City possession. Just a reminder that Aguero sent Man City into the lead tonight, but the Argentine was clearly in an offside position when Kolarov delivered from a free kick. It was poor from the linesman!
Well, I suspect that Rafael Benitez, overall, will be pretty pleased with what he has seen in this first period. Man City started the better, but it is a very even game as the half-time break approaches.
BOOKING! Anita (Newcastle) is booked for a late challenge on Kolarov.
Just the one additional minute to play at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Newcastle 1-1 Man City
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Aguero's 100th Premier League goal sent Man City into a 14th-minute lead at St James' Park, but Anita levelled the scores in the 31st minute. It is delicately poised ahead of the second 45 minutes!
STATISTICS! Man City have shaded the possession with 55%, but they have only registered one shot on target and that was Aguero's header, which was actually offside. Newcastle, meanwhile, hit the target twice in the opening 45. Sissoko had a golden chance to level the scores in the 29th minute, but the equaliser came from Anita, who cut inside Kolarov before picking out the far post.
BENCH WATCH! Newcastle have a number of attacking options on their bench tonight, with the likes of Aarons, De Jong, Mitrovic, Saivet, Shelvey and Wijnaldum all capable of making a difference. Man City, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Bony, Sterling and Iheanacho.
MATCH PIC!
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Will we have a winner at St James' Park tonight? Let's find out! Newcastle resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second 45 minutes gathers pace here.
Concern for Newcastle here as Tiote hits the deck and stays there.
It does appear that Tiote will continue, but he does not look too comfortable. Newcastle have the chance to threaten from a free kick, but Hart collects the chipped delivery from Townsend.
Penalty shout for Man City as Aguero goes down inside the box under pressure from Mbemba, but the referee is not interested. Once again it was super work from De Bruyne in the build-up there!
Plenty happening at the moment as Hart just beats Sissoko to a loose back-pass from Kompany, before De Bruyne has a strike blocked down the other end. Both teams are committing plenty of players forward as this second period gathers pace. The next goal - if there is one - could be massive.
SAVE! What a fine save that is! Man City play a quick free kick and Navas drives a low strike towards the bottom corner, but Darlow gets fingertips to the ball to make the stop!
NEWCASTLE SUB! Mitrovic replaces Cisse in Newcastle's first change.
BOOKING! Perez (Newcastle) is booked for a poor challenge on Navas.
That was a nasty challenge from Perez and Navas is still on the deck here.
Navas is back on his feet, but Sterling is stripped and could replace the Spaniard in the next break.
It is getting very lively at the moment as the home supporters put pressure on the referee following a series of late challenges. Townsend delivers a wonderful cross towards Mitrovic as Newcastle threaten once again, but Zabaleta just does enough to make the clearance - brilliant form the right-back!
Navas, who has recovered from that ankle problem, sets up Aguero as Man City have another half-chance, but the striker fires his effort straight at Darlow, who collects at the second time of asking!
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match and it would be cruel because neither team deserves to be behind as things stand. Little over 25 minutes left to play here.
BOOKING! Kompany (Man City) is booked for a late challenge on Sissoko.
MAN CITY SUB! Sterling replaces Delph for the visitors here.
Both managers have made one change in this second period, but there is still a lot of talent on both benches as we enter the final 20 minutes. You suspect that a mistake or a wonder-strike might be needed to win this match as both teams continue to battle for possession all over the park here.
Newcastle just seem to want it a little bit more than Man City at the moment. Just a reminder that victory for the home side would move them out of the relegation zone - what a carrot tonight!
MAN CITY SUB! Fernandinho replaces Toure in Man City's second change.
SAVE! Darlow is again called into action to keep out a strike from De Bruyne.
Little over 10 minutes of this Premier League clash left to play and we are still level at 1-1. De Bruyne is starting to see more of the ball for Man City and only smart defending from Sissoko prevents a cross from the Belgian reaching the penalty box. It is so delicately poised here!
Man City continue to press forward and Newcastle are having to do a lot of defending here!
NEWCASTLE SUB! Wijnaldum replaces Townsend in Newcastle's second change.
You just get the feeling that there is going to be a late twist here as Man City continue to press players forward. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their team at the moment.
MAN CITY SUB! Bony replaces Navas in Man City's final change here.
Mangala does well to beat Sissoko to the punch after the Newcastle captain had been released in a wide position. Man City then have a free kick when Colback brings De Bruyne to the deck.
SAVE! Darlow is forced to turn a Bony header wide of the post.
Kolarov fires over the crossbar as the score remains 1-1 with 88 minutes on the clock.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for Newcastle to surely win it as Wijnaldum bursts into the Man City box before moving past Kolarov, but Hart is out to make a fine save!
BOOKING! Mangala (Man City) is booked for a late challenge on Wijnaldum.
FIVE MINUTES ADDED ON!
A strong hand from Hart pushes a Sissoko cross out of the box as Newcastle threaten here.
NEWCASTLE SUB! Aarons replaces Perez for the home side.
Fernando hacks the ball clear, but Newcastle will come straight back here.
Tiote brings Sterling to the deck and Man City have a late free kick...
... the ball is recycled after Newcastle had cleared, but once again Mbemba clears!
We are running out of time here and it does appear that the points are going to be shared as another long free kick comes to nothing. A point apiece is just about right in all honesty.
BOOKING! Sissoko (Newcastle) is booked for a late challenge on Sterling.
FULL-TIME: Newcastle 1-1 Man City
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the two teams playing out a 1-1 draw at St James' Park. Newcastle remain in the relegation zone on 29 points, but they are now just two points off 17th-place Norwich. Man City, meanwhile, have moved one point above fourth-place Arsenal. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
