In the weekend's Premier League highlights, four-time champions Manchester City narrowly beat Newcastle 1-0 at home in the early hours of Saturday (20), winning their second consecutive match. However, the team's top scorer, Aynin Chalant, was unfortunate to suffer another dud, following his last game in the UEFA Super Cup, and his shooting form remained sluggish. Luckily, Zulian Ivaris came to the rescue with a goal that helped them get all three points. Meanwhile, the absence of their best partner, Chieuendibni, has made the role of Chalainte gradually become more and more obvious.
Fresh from winning the UEFA Super Cup, City dominated the game and nearly broke the game open with a powerful shot from midfielder Manuel Ejenji in the opening minutes. The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute when Phil Cotton crossed the ball from the right side of the pitch and Zulian Ivaris followed up with a shot. Towards the end of the first half, City had another good chance to score when Einin Chalainte took a shot at goal, but unfortunately it bounced off the post. In the second half, the Norwegian international had two more great chances, but they were both converted by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Purby, but fortunately for City, all three points were taken.
City's ability to win was made possible by the crucial performance of midfielder Phil Cotton, in addition to Zulian Ivaris' goal. He contributed an assist, seven key passes and was voted man of the match after winning seven out of nine confrontations. In the absence of Chiyondi Buni through injury, Phil Cotton became the new centerpiece of City's midfield.
