Manchester City extended their winning streak to 18 Premier League matches, courtesy a 1-0 victory over a determined Newcastle United side at St James’ Park with winger Raheem Sterling netting a 31st-minute winner.
City’s win came at a cost, however, as captain and defensive rock Vincent Kompany limped off early on with yet another muscular injury and was replaced by forward Gabriel Jesus.
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Despite the early setback, the visitors dominated and star striker Sergio Aguero would hit the post twice in the first-half and forced Magpies keeper Rob Elliot into a fantastic reaction save with close-ranger header from a pin-point Kevin De Bruyne free-kick.
Pep Guardiola’s men, who knew a win would see them extend their lead at the top of the table as second-placed Manchester United had been held to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday, weren’t to be denied for long and on the half-hour mark, Sterling got the vital breakthrough.
De Bruyne spotted the Sterling’s run and sent in a clipped ball for the in-form winger to sneak home at the near-post.
As the half-time whistle sounded, Newcastle were not only fortunate to have conceded a solitary goal, but to have finished the half with 11 men. For Jacob Murphy lunged in and caught Ilkay Guendogan high on his calf, not even coming close to winning the ball and while match referee Andre Marriner awarded a free-kick to the visitors, he inexplicably decided to let the Magpies man off with just a warning.
City remained in the ascendancy in the second-half as well, with De Bruyne sending in a shot from distance that crashed off the post and while Aguero put the ball in the back of the net on the rebound, the linesman correctly raised his flag for offside.
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Newcastle did show some attacking intent in the second-half and the home crowd thought they had won a penalty when forward Dwight Gayle went down after a challenge from Danilo inside the box.
Andre Marriner, however, cautioned Gayle for simulation and replays suggested the referee had got the decision spot on.
The Magpies would have one final chance in the dying embers of the match, with Christian Atsu bamboozling his marker on the wing before sending in an inviting cross for Gayle, but the forward’s header flashed just wide of Ederson’s goal.
With their 19th win in 20 games, City extended their advantage at the summit to an gargantuan 15 points and look like a safe bet to wrap up this season’s title. Not only are they unbeaten, but they are refusing to drop points, eking out win after win and will look to clinch their 19th win on the trot when they take on Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Newcastle will take heart from the scoreline against the runaway leaders and will go into their home clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday with newfound belief.