Newcastle penalty puts brakes on Manchester City bid to match Liverpool

Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge was rocked by a stunning 2-1 defeat at Newcastle.

Newcastle United's Matt Ritchie, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal from the penalty spot against Manchester City. Picture: AFP

Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge was rocked by a stunning 2-1 defeat at Newcastle while Manchester United’s late escape preserved Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s unbeaten start in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Burnley.

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 this morning.

But Pep Guardiola’s 100th league game as City manager proved an evening to forget for the champions.

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.

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 when Fernandinho’s foul on Sean Longstaff gave Matt Ritchie the chance to score from the penalty spot.

At Old Trafford, Solskjaer’s eight straight victories in all competitions came to an end but he remained impressed by United’s never-say-die spirit.

United trailed 2-0 in the 87th minute before goals to Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelof.

“The comeback was brilliant,” Solskjaer said. “The players have been asked how they would react if they went behind, so the way we fought back was fantastic.”

Cardiff paid an emotional tribute to missing Emiliano Sala as Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium.

Sala signed from Nantes in a club-record deal, but the 28-year-old Argentine was one of two people aboard the Piper Malibu plane which vanished last week en route to Cardiff.

The Gunners took the lead in the 66th minute after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored from a penalty. Alexandre Lacazette’s 83rd-minute strike ensured fifth-placed Arsenal moved level on points with Chelsea.

Ten-man Everton ruined Jan Siewert’s first game in charge of Huddersfield with a 1-0 win over the bottom club at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Wolves added to West Ham’s woes with a 3-0 victory at Molineux. Second-bottom Fulham fought back to beat Brighton 4-2.

AFP