Nico O’Reilly at the double as City beat Newcastle to mount pressure on Arsenal

Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, thanks to Nico O’Reilly’s brace.

The hosts started the game on a strong foot and were rewarded with the opener in the 14th minute when Omar Marmoush found O’Reilly at the edge of the area, who drilled in an effort past Nick Pope at the near post.

Moments later, Anthony Gordon almost got an instant response for the Magpies, but his curling effort was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, before Antoine Semenyo saw his effort parried away by Pope at the other end.

In the 22nd minute, Lewis Hall restored parity for the visitors after his deflected strike from a corner flew past Donnarumma.

Five minutes later, the Citizens retook the lead after Semenyo released Erling Haaland on the right, who chipped a cross to the far post for O’Reilly to meet, and the Englishman headed home his second of the night.

Moments later, O’Reilly could’ve completed his hat-trick after he was found by Marmoush, but his effort flew well over the bar.

At the other end, Joe Willock struck his effort straight at Donnarumma as Newcastle searched for an equaliser.

Just before the break, Dan Burn thought he had drawn the Magpies level with a glancing header, but he was denied by the offside flag.

Shortly after the restart, Hall sent his effort from a free kick to the side netting, leaving Donnarumma less troubled.

Just past the hour mark, Semenyo squandered a glorious opportunity to get City’s third goal as he was found by Bernardo Silva at the edge of the box, but the Ghanian miscued his effort, and the chance went begging.

Deep into stoppage time, City missed two chances to seal the game as Haaland’s effort from inside the area was saved by Pope, then Foden’s half-volley from the rebound was fended off again by the leg of the English goalkeeper.

The win extends City’s home winning streak against Newcastle to 17 games as they close the gap on Arsenal to two points at the summit.