Newcastle have risen, but City are still too high

Julian Alvarez scored the only goal as Manchester City edged past Newcastle United on Saturday night in a game where the black-and-whites showed their ambition of reaching the heights City have reached over the past decade or so.

The Argentine's firm first-half shot clipped the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Nick Pope and ended up in the far corner. It proved to be the winner in a game where Eddie Howe's team pushed the Treble holders all the way, but didn't have enough quality to earn a point.

The second half produced long periods of Newcastle pressure, but Pep Guardiola's side showed all their experience and quality to keep a clean sheet and claim the win.

Just a few days after their UEFA Cuper Cup win, the Cityzens showed a slightly less energetic performance, but they probably deserved to win by the odd goal. Once again, Erling Haaland was virtually anonymous and Phil Foden was in charge of everything that was good in the home team's play.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 2

Friday

Nott. Forest - Sheffield United 2-1 (1-0)

/Awoniyi 3, Wood 89 - Hamer 48/

Saturday

Fulham - Brentford 0-3 (0-1)

/Wissa 44, Mbeumo 66 pen, 90+2/

Liverpool - Bournemouth 3-1 (2-1)

/Diaz 27, Salah 36, Jota 62 - Semenyo 3/

Wolverhampton - Brighton 1-4 (0-1)

/Hwang 61 - Mitoma 15, Estupinan 46, March 51,55/

Tottenham - Manchester United 2-0 (0-0)

/Sarr 49, Davies 83/

Manchester City - Newcastle United 1-0 (1-0)

/Alvarez 31/

Sunday

16.00: (1.75) Aston Villa (3.60) Everton (4.90)

18.30: (3.90) West Ham (3.50) Chelsea (2.05)

Monday

22.00: (6.25) Crystal Palace (4.00) Arsenal (1.62)

***odds are subject to change