Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United: O’Reilly’s brace takes Cityzens closer to Arsenal in Premier League title race

Juvenile English left-back, Nico O’Reilly, netted twice to help Manchester City defeat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Premier League match on Saturday 21 February, 2026 at Etihad Stadium.

It was a hard-fought victory for Guardiola’s Cityzens, and has taken the Blues to within two (2) points closer to toppers, Arsenal, in the chase for the Premier League 2025/26 title.

At this level, Manchester City are ready to take the title chase all the way through to the finale come May.

20-year old O’Reilly was the main man of the showdown as his brace in the first half was enough for the home side to bag maximum points on home soil.

All three (3) goals of the clash were scored within thirteen (13) minutes – Magpies’ goalscorer, Lewis Hall’s goal was the first League goal from Newcastle United against Manchester City at Etihad since 2018.

Eddie Howe’s side were deficient of the quality needed in the final third as they failed to properly manage a shot on target until loss time of the second period; notwithstanding, defender, Dan Burn, found the back of the net with a header, but, was struck out for offside.

Egypt international, Omar Marmoush, provided for O’Reilly who opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute, but, the Magpies hustled and levelled eight (8) minutes later through Hall after Jacob Ramsey had provided.

Anthony Gordon, who had netted four times for the Magpies in Europe in midweek, and Joe Willock forced City goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, to action, and in the dying seconds Harvey Barnes made the Italian goalie work again from a corner.

In the 27th minute, Erling Haaland’s assist was converted by O’Reilly to add the second and the winner for the Cityzens; manager Guardiola was seen pumping his fist in the air in celebration of his side’s triumph as City now closely trail Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal for the crown.

Manchester City described O’Reilly display as a “sensational performance”. The Cityzens have now recorded “five wins in a row”.

In his post-victory comments, Pep Guardiola said: “Today the connection with our fans was the best of the season, five home games left in the Premier League, we need that vibe.”

Results

Photo: Nico O’Reilly, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Erling Braut Haaland celebrate after Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 2-1 on Saturday in the Premier League match at Etihad Stadium | X/Manchester City