1 Goal-machine Raheem
It’s turning into a special season for City – and Raheem Sterling, in particular.
He scored the winner at St James’ Park, producing a neat finish after Kevin De Bruyne’s sublime pass, his 13th Premier League goal of the season and his 17th in all competitions.
It’s a fine record for a player operating in wide areas much of the time.
He was a constant threat all evening, with his willingness to run at the Newcastle backline City’s most potent weapon.
This is his best season in front of goal; the only Premier League player to have managed more than Sterling in all competitions this season is Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
Long may it continue.
2 De Bruyne shines again
There’s little to say about De Bruyne that hasn’t already been said this season. He’s a genius capable of producing match-winning quality at any moment.
He was superb against Newcastle, City’s orchestrator and the hub of our creativity.
And his assist was special – a beautiful chipped ball that took the Newcastle defence out of the game. It was his 36th in the Premier League since his debut, which is four more than any other player has managed during that period.
If he continues like this, surely a PFA award beckons.
3 Gulf in class
City’s dominance of this match wasn’t reflected in the scoreline.
In the first half, we enjoyed 82 per cent possession (which had reduced to 78 per cent by full-time) and managed 18 shots to Newcastle’s five. The home side barely had the ball and only really threatened in the closing stages.
Indeed, Nicolas Otamendi completed 122 passes - seven more than all the outfield players of Newcastle managed combined (115).
This is Pep Guardiola’s masterplan being realised. Even when City are somewhat below par, our ability to retain the ball makes it difficult for the opposition to affect the game.
4 European record now in touching distance
This was City’s 18th league win on the bounce, meaning we are now one short of equalling the all-time European record for consecutive victories, currently held by Pep’s 2014 Bayern Munich side.
Next up: Crystal Palace away, where history beckons.
Bayern recorded 19 straight victories in the Bundesliga in the 2013/14 campaign. Other comparable records saw Inter Milan secure 17 straight wins in the 2006/7 Italian season while the Spanish record is shared between Real Madrid and Barcelona who both earned 16 successes in a row in 2016 and 2011 respectively
This was also City’s 11th-straight Premier League away win, equalling the record for the English top flight set by Chelsea between April and December 2008.
It seems each week there’s a new milestone reached. Drink it in, City fans. This is turning into a season to remember.
5 Runaway leaders
This result means City are now 15 points clear of second-placed Manchester United – the biggest lead in any top-flight league in Europe.
It’s a staggering gap to have established at this stage of the season and underlines the quality of City’s performances.
