Man City extend streak with win over Newcastle

Newcastle (England) Dec 28 (IANS) Manchester City extended their English Premier League record-winning streak to 18 with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola s side are now 15 points ahead of second-place Manchester United in the battle for the title reports Efe.

Facing the City juggernaut here on Wednesday Newcastle coach Rafa Benitez opted for a game plan focused exclusively on defending. Even so his squad conceded in the 31st minute when Raheem Sterling buried Kevin de Bruyne s cross to post his 13th goal of the season.

The hosts had a chance to equalise four minutes later but City defender Nicolas Otamendi made a spectacular goal-line stop against Newcastle s Rolando Aarons to preserve the advantage.

The visitors domination extended into the second half yet their failure to get a second goal set the stage for a late surge by Newcastle whose best opportunity came in the 89th minute with a Dwight Gayle header that forced a great save from City goalkeeper Ederson.

The outcome leaves Newcastle in 15th place with 18 points.

--IANS
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