Torres hits treble in thrilling win over Magpies

The Magpies led, then trailed, then led again before City hit back in a match that will be regarded as a Premier League classic.

The victory also set a new English record of 12 successive away victories in the league.

What happened?

With City dominating the opening stages, it was a surprise that Newcastle opened the scoring on 24 minutes with their first effort on target.

The hosts had barely gotten out of their own half when a rare attack resulted in a corner that resulted in Emil Krafth planting a header past debutant Scott Carson to make it 1-0.

Ten minutes later another rare break forward saw Manuel Almiron fouled 20 yards from goal and Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick thumped the crossbar.

If City were rattled, it didn’t show and in the next attack on 38 minutes, Joao Cancelo levelled.

As Rodrigo probed on the left of the Magpies’ box, he laid it back to the Portuguese who hit a first-time angled shot  that struck Jacob Murphy before arrowing into the bottom right corner.

Three minutes later, the champions were ahead with a stunning volley from Ferran Torres.

Ilkay Gundogan’s free-kick from the left flank saw the Spaniard adjust his feet to meet the ball on the full, with a spectacular and deft flick with his heel that gave Martin Dubravka no chance.

Deep into added time a penalty was awarded after VAR adjudged Joelinton to have been pulled down by Nathan Ake and the Brazilian striker made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-2 – it looked a harsh decision on inspection.

Quite a first-half.

The first talking point of the second period was when City conceded a second penalty after Joe Willock was felled in the box by Kyle Walker.

Scott Carson made a fine save, but Willock converted the loose ball to put the hosts 3-2 up just past the hour.

Within two minutes City were level again in this see-saw, thrilling encounter as Gabriel Jesus drilled a low cross in from the left and Torres showed his predatory instincts to slide home a high shot to make it 3-3.

It was breathless stuff and moments later, City were 4-3 up!

Cancelo’s long-range effort smacked the foot of the post and as the ball flew upwards and out, Torres showed  lightning reactions to volley into the roof of the net from eight yards to complete his hat-trick.

It had taken the 21year-old just 22 minutes to score three goals and move towards the top of the scoring charts with 13.

City kept the ball for much of the time that remained to repeat the famous 4-3 win at St James’ Park when the team that contained Bell, Summerbee and Lee won the title on Tyneside some 53 years ago,

STAR MAN

Ferran Torres’ best game in sky blue is a reminder of the Spain star’s potential.

The three goals he scored were inventive, innovative and intuitive and it won’t be lost on his manager.

A performance that felt like the start of something very special.

City’s challenge

In 2018/19, the title race went to the final day of the season, with victory at Brighton edging City to the crown ahead of Liverpool.

In 2017/18, there was a determination to become the first team to reach 100 points so each of the remaining matches had a real purpose.

In 2020/21, there are records that can still be achieved, but with a Champions League final to come, Pep will rest the legs of the players he plans to start with in Portugal.

Getting through the games that remain without picking up injuries is obviously one of the most important factors, but City don’t just turn up to play – winning is in our DNA.

So with Brighton and Everton still to come, it will be interesting to see how the domestic campaign concludes.

What it means…

City extend the lead at the top to 13 points, though of course the title was wrapped up in midweek so only improves the seasonal stats.

It also means City have set a new English record of 12 Premier League away wins in succession.

Incredible.

What’s next?

City are in action again next Tuesday with the penultimate game of the season away to Brighton & Hove Albion (7pm kick-off).

PEP REACTION

“I am delighted for the three goals Ferran Torres scored but he has incredible numbers for first season in England.

“He didn’t play during a period of two months much. He came as a winger with incredible runs in behind, but he can play as a striker.

“Every time he plays in that position, he has a real sense of goal. The last one is a big example of that, the intuition to know where the ball comes and be there to score.

“He was fantastic all season. An incredible signing for us, a young player who can play in all three positions for us up front.”

Teams

City: Carson. Walker, Cancelo (Mendy74), Garcia, Ake, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Bernardo, Torres, Sterling (c), Jesus

Subs: Steffen, Dias, Stones, Laporte, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Foden, Palmer

Newcastle: Dubravka, Murphy, Krafth, Fernández (Gayle 88), Dummett, Ritchie (S Longstaff 84), Willock, Shelvey, Almirón, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton (Lewis 84)

Subs: Clark, M Longstaff, Carroll, Hendrick, Manquillo, Gillespie