Nico O'Reilly brace helps Man City sink Newcastle to close gap on Arsenal

Two first goals from City's Nico O'Reilly on either side of Lewis Hall's 22nd minute equalizer were enough to clinch an important three points for the title contenders.

Pep Guardiola made nine changes to the squad that eliminated Football League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round clash last weekend.

The home side started the game brightly and were duly rewarded after 14 minutes when O'Reilly fired the opener past Nick Pope following good work from Egypt forward Omar Marmoush.

Newcastle responded well with threats of their own, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma to tip Malick Thiam's header over the crossbar.

However, the Toons equalized from the resultant corner kick when Lewis Hall's 22nd minute strike took a deflection off Rayan Ait-Nouri to beat Donnarumma.

City reclaimed the lead five minutes later after good work from Antoine Semenyo before Erling Haaland floated in a lovely cross for O'Reilly to head in from close range.

Newcastle thought they had equalized before half time through a Dan Burn header from a Sandro Tonali free-kick, but it was ruled out for off-side.

A tense second half saw the Magpies push for another equalizer, but it was City who carved out the better chances with Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden all seeing their efforts well saved by Pope.

Harvey Barnes then almost snatched the point in injury time with a well drilled low strike that was pushed around the upright by Donnarumma as City held on for the three points.

"Our connection with the fans today was the best of the season," said Guardiola after the match.

"We have five home games left in the Premier League and we need that vibe. The game that we played today is what is going to happen for the next 11. It was so difficult."

Man City will now turn their attention to next Saturday's league clash against Leeds United at Elland Road.

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