Premier League
8:00 p.mFebruary 21, 2026
Regular season – 27
Etihad Stadium
Referee: Thomas Bramall, England
Manchester City
Newcastle
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.35
Expected Goals (xG)
0.39
Passing by
387 (84%)
Accurate passes
288 (81%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
Substitutes
d
Abdukodir Khusanov
46′ Replaced by R. Diasm
Ryan Cherki
58′ Replaced by O. Marmoush
1
G
James Trafford
5
d
John Stones
82
d
Rico Lewis
4
m
Tijjani Reijnders
26
F
Savino
14
m
Nico Gonzalez
m
Phil Foot
87′ Replaced by A. Semenyo
Premier League Ranking – Premier League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Relegation – Championship
Manchester City secured a crucial 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle at the Etihad, with young striker Nico O’Reilly scoring a winning brace. His decisive goals ensured City overcame a spirited Magpies side, clawing back vital points in their title chase.
Going into the match on 21 February 2026, Manchester City were second in the league, in good form (WWDWL) and aiming to close the gap at the top. Tenth-placed Newcastle (WLLLD) looked to break City’s momentum and move closer to the European qualification places. Head-to-head records heavily favored City, winning 11 of the last 15 meetings.
The match started with immediate intensity. Newcastle’s Dan Burn was booked in the 9th minute for a foul, setting an early physical tone. However, it was City who struck first in the 14th minute. Omar Marmoush provided a strong assist, which allowed Nico O’Reilly to open the scoring for the home side.
Newcastle responded quickly, finding the equalizer eight minutes later. In the 22nd minute, Lewis Hall broke free and scored a goal from a precise assist from Jacob Ramsey. This brought the score level, further igniting the contest as both teams pressed for control.
Parity was short-lived. Manchester City immediately regained the lead in the 27th minute. Erling Haaland turned provider, setting up Nico O’Reilly for his second goal of the game. O’Reilly’s clinical finish put City back in front, completing a quick exchange of goals.
When the first half concluded with City leading 2-1, the game was well balanced. Newcastle had shown resilience but City’s attacking prowess, particularly through O’Reilly, proved decisive. The second half promised more tactical adjustments and continued fighting.
The second half started with Manchester City making an early change, replacing Ruben Dias with Abdukodir Khusanov at the back. The physical nature of the game continued, with Joe Willock and Bernardo Silva picking up yellow cards early in the half for Newcastle and City respectively.
Newcastle tried to freshen up their attack, bringing on Noah Woltemade for Joelinton, and Harvey Barnes for Joe Willock in the 60th minute. This was followed by further yellow cards for Barnes and Kieran Trippier, reflecting Newcastle’s frustration as they struggled to break down the City defence.
Despite Newcastle’s numerous substitutions, including Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon in the 78th minute, they could not find a way to break into City’s back line. City also brought on Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden later on, ensuring fresh legs and maintaining control in midfield. Joelinton received a late yellow card for rough play in the 89th minute.
Manchester City dominated possession with 56% and recorded 15 shots in total, with 7 on target, resulting in an expected goal (xG) of 1.35. Newcastle managed 11 shots, 5 on target and an xG of 0.39, highlighting City’s superior attacking threat. Nick Pope made 5 saves for Newcastle, keeping them in contention.
This hard-fought 2-1 victory cemented Manchester City’s position in second place, putting pressure on the league leaders. For Newcastle, the defeat halted their climb up the table, leaving them with work to do to secure a European place.
