Alvarez brings City to a win over Newcastle at the Etihad with a minimal scoreline 1:0.
There are two changes in the starting line-up compared to the UEFA Super Cup match against Sevilla. Ruben Dias replaces Nathan Ake and Julian Alvarez comes on the pitch instead of Cole Palmer.
Newcastle’s starting line-up remains the same as in the victorious match against Aston Villa.
At the start of the match, the Magpies make a great effort to reduce the pace of the game, not allowing City to spread out. City are forced to take shots from unprepared positions, so the ball consistently flies past the goal.
The visitors seem to be holding back well, but in the 31st minute the hosts opened the scoring. Alvarez receives a short pass from Phil Foden on the edge of the penalty area and with his second touch curls the ball into the far corner of the goal — 1:0.
Alvarez’s goal remains the only accurate shot for City in the first half. The other nine shots fly past the goalpost. Newcastle are unable to trouble Ederson once in the first half.
In the second half the game does not change. The guests are still focused on containing the opponent, relying on chances to run into the breakaway. Such chances do not come.
In the 65th minute, Erling Haaland finally draws attention to himself. He shoots low from outside the box. Nick Pope kicks the ball away.
Newcastle create their first moment only in the 70th minute, but Ederson takes the ball away from Harvey Barnes’ long-range shot.
In the end, the Magpies get bolder, but the Cityzens play reliably and do not allow doubts in their victory.
In a sense, Newcastle manage to impose the desired game on Manchester City, but the Magpies could not wait for the opponent’s mistakes in defence.