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• Man City player ratings vs Newcastle: 9/10 Nico O’Reilly double keeps title pressure on Arsenal

  Manchester City secured a vital three points at the Etihad Stadium, grinding out a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United to move within two points of league leaders Arsenal. In a match defined by grit rather than typical City fluidness, rising star Nico O’Reilly proved to be the difference-maker, scoring twice to ensure Pep Guardiola’s side capitalizes on the Gunners’ recent slip. ​O’Reilly opened the scoring with a powerful strike from distance before Newcastle clawed back through a deflected Lewis Hall effort. However, the youngster was on hand again to head home an Erling Haaland cross, securing a result that keeps City firmly in the hunt for a fifth consecutive title. ​Here are the player ratings from the Etihad: ​Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6 The Italian goalkeeper produced several important stops to keep Newcastle at bay, but he appeared uncharacteristically hesitant during aerial challenges. He struggled to command his box during set-pieces and was fortunate that a Dan Burn header was chalked off for offside. ​Matheus Nunes – 7 Deployed in a defensive role, Nunes had a solid evening overall. He largely neutralized the threat of Anthony Gordon, though there were fleeting moments where he lost his marker. His recovery pace was essential in stopping Newcastle’s quick transitions. ​Rúben Dias – 6 A challenging half for the Portuguese leader. He struggled with Gordon’s raw speed, picking up a yellow card in the process. After a physical battle with Dan Burn that nearly resulted in a goal, he was substituted at the interval to avoid further disciplinary risks. ​Marc Guéhi – 7 Guéhi provided a calm presence at the heart of the defense. He was particularly impressive under the pressure of Newcastle’s set-play routine and showed great composure on the ball, consistently finding the right outlets to start City’s attacks. ​Rayan Aït-Nouri – 7 The fullback was once again a vibrant attacking outlet, providing constant overlapping runs. While he was unlucky to see Hall’s shot deflect off him for the equalizer, he showed great defensive resolve against Elanga. He might regret not finding Haaland for a late tap-in, however. ​Rodri – 7 The Spaniard played a disciplined, deeper role to ensure the backline wasn’t exposed by Newcastle’s counter-attacking speed. He acted as the team’s safety valve, recycling possession efficiently and breaking up play whenever the visitors gained momentum. ​Bernardo Silva – 7 Silva’s legendary work rate was on full display as he popped up across the pitch to facilitate play. He refused to be bullied in physical duels despite the height disadvantage against Newcastle’s giants and was instrumental in moving City into the final third. ​Nico O’Reilly – 9 A truly breakout, match-winning performance from the academy graduate. Displaying immense versatility and a relentless engine, O’Reilly’s two goals—one a clinical blast and the other a brave header—justified his inclusion and stole the show. ​Antoine Semenyo – 7 The winger had a game of highs and lows, often using his physicality and skill to drive the team forward. While some of his decision-making in the final third lacked polish, his directness remained a constant concern for the Newcastle defense. ​Omar Marmoush – 6 The forward provided a vital assist for O’Reilly’s opener and his pace caused problems early on. However, his evening was marred by poor timing, as he was caught in offside positions far too frequently to allow City to build sustained pressure. ​Erling Haaland – 8 Despite not scoring, the Norwegian was central to everything positive in City’s attack. He turned provider with a delicate cross for the winning goal and spent the night in a bruising, tireless physical battle with Dan Burn, leading the line with immense leadership. ​Substitutes ​Abdukodir Khusanov (for Dias, 46) – 7 The defender’s introduction at halftime was a masterstroke. His superior recovery speed was exactly what was needed to handle Newcastle’s long balls, and he remained flawless throughout the second period. ​Rayan Cherki (for Marmoush, 58) – 7 Cherki added much-needed technical security to the midfield. He was excellent at shielding the ball under pressure and played several incisive passes that helped City manage the clock and see out the victory. ​Phil Foden (for Semenyo, 86) – N/A

• Mikel Arteta has called for Arsenal fans to “love me after I draw and I lose” and not just when the side is winning.

  Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal supporters to remain steadfast and show “love” to his squad after back-to-back draws against Brentford and Wolves saw the Gunners’ lead at the top of the table significantly diminish.

  ​Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal fans to stand by his players following a run of just two wins in seven league matches.

  After a late collapse against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arteta emphasized the need for emotional support during difficult periods.

  He stated: “I was a player, love me when I draw and when I lose. To love when I win is very, very easy.”

  ​The manager remains focused on the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur to regain momentum.

  Arsenal currently sit five points clear of Manchester City, though City hold a game in hand.

  Arteta addressed the recent frustrations, adding: “I you have to love the players and be next to them when they need it the most.”

  Stars Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard may return.

• Pep Guardiola rule out Man City trio for Newcastle visit

  Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland is in contention to face Newcastle United this weekend, though the Citizens will be without Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, and Mateo Kovacic for the Premier League encounter.

  ​Pep Guardiola has provided a crucial squad update ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

  Top scorer Erling Haaland is expected to feature despite recent fitness concerns that saw him rested last week.

  However, the champions will be without Jeremy Doku, who has been ruled out. Additionally, Croatian duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic remain sidelined, facing races to return before the season ends.

  ​Newcastle United travel to the Etihad Stadium seeking a historic first-ever Premier League away victory against the Citizens.

  Eddie Howe’s side previously defeated City in November and hope to capitalize on the hosts’ defensive shortages, including a doubt over youngster Max Alleyne.

  Despite Haaland’s availability, his record against the Magpies remains poor, having scored just one goal in nine appearances since arriving from Borussia Dortmund.

• Opta Supercomputer picks Champions League winner amid knockout drama

  The Opta supercomputer has identified Arsenal as the primary favorite to secure their maiden Champions League title following a dominant league phase.

  ​Arsenal leads the projections with a 26.86% chance of victory, bolstered by eight consecutive wins. Bayern Munich follows at 15.19%, despite recent domestic struggles.

  Premier League giants Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea round out the top five. Interestingly, the data suggests Newcastle holds a 4.47% chance of glory, notably higher than Real Madrid’s 3.10% likelihood as the knockout stages intensify.

  ​In the playoff round, Newcastle is virtually guaranteed a last-16 spot with a 99.77% progression chance after thrashing Qarabağ 6–1.

  Conversely, Inter Milan faces an uphill battle with only a 42.62% chance of advancing following a 3–1 loss to Bodø/Glimt.

  Despite their underdog status, the Norwegian side’s recent form against elite clubs proves no lead is insurmountable in Europe’s premier competition.

• Glenn Hoddle questions Bukayo Saka’s leadership after comments on Wolves draw

  Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-placed Wolves, leaving them just five points ahead of Manchester City and facing a captaincy crisis.

  ​Bukayo Saka has faced sharp criticism for a “flat” post-match interview following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Wolves.

  Despite Saka and Piero Hincapie putting the Gunners in control, a stoppage-time collapse allowed Tom Edozie to level for the hosts.

  Former England manager Glenn Hoddle questioned Saka’s leadership demeanor, remarking, “Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up… he was very flat.”

  ​The draw marks a worrying trend for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have won just twice in their last seven league outings.

  Manchester City now trail by five points with a game in hand, meaning the gap could shrink to two points by Saturday night.

  The result has reignited fears of a late-season crumble, with pundits suggesting “doubt is creeping into the minds” of the squad.

  ​Arsenal must now travel to 16th-placed Tottenham on Sunday for a high-stakes North London Derby.

  Spurs will be led by new interim manager Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank following their slide toward the relegation zone.

  With Saka and Leandro Trossard both nursing knocks from Molineux, the Gunners’ depth and mental fortitude face their most rigorous test of the campaign.