MANCHESTER CITY’S PREMIER League title challenge was rocked by a stunning 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this evening.
City needed a win at St James’ Park to close the gap on leaders Liverpool to one point ahead of the Reds’ clash with Leicester on Wednesday.
But Pep Guardiola’s 100th league game as City manager proved an evening to forget for the champions.
Second-placed City’s loss means Liverpool, chasing their first English title since 1990, can move seven points clear with a win over Leicester.
It was a remarkable result given City took just 24 seconds to open the scoring.
Raheem Sterling crossed to David Silva and the City midfielder bravely headed it back as he collided with Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Aguero pounced on the loose ball to poke home from close range for his 17th goal of the season.
But City lost their rhythm after that and were punished when Salomon Rondon equalised for Newcastle in the 66th minute from Isaac Hayden’s header.
There was worse to come for City in the 80th minute.
Fernandinho’s foul on Sean Longstaff gave Matt Ritchie the chance to score from the penalty spot and the Newcastle midfielder fired his effort low into the net.
It was City’s first defeat since a loss at Leicester on December 26, ending a run of eight successive wins in all competitions.
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