Sterling continues his fine form as City edge past Newcastle

City went into the game looking to extend their incredibly winning run in the Premier League and Newcastle offered precious little resistance on a chilly night at St James’ Park.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez switched to five at the back for game and his side’s intentions were clear from the outset as they looked to frustrate the visitors.

City dominated possession throughout and went close to an early opener when Sergio Aguero prodded against the post after peeling off his marker to meet a long ball with just seven minutes played.

Pep Guardiola was handed a blow just four minutes later when captain Vincent Kompany was forced off, but his side didn’t let it affect them.

It seemed only a matter of time before City took the lead and Aguero once again threatened as he forced Rob Elliot in the home goal into a fine save as he met a free kick form the right with a powerful header either side of harmless long range strikes from Kevin De Bruyne and Danilo.

Aguero was looking menacing everytime he got the ball and he almost scored a peach on the half-hour mark as he jinked away from two players before fizzing an effort narrowly wide of the far post.

City weren’t made to wait long for the breakthrough though as Raheem Sterling struck just 60 seconds later. The England international exchanges passes with De Bruyne, with the Belgian’s return ball a beautiful clipped pass over the top and Sterling showed good desire to get there first and prod an effort past Elliot and in off the post from an angle.

Newcastle almost hit back within three minutes with only their second effort of the game (the other coming straight from kick off). Kyle Walker failed to deal with a cross at the back post and Rolando Aarons was there to gather the loose ball and dink an effort over Ederson and towards the far corner, but Nicolas Otamendi was on hand to head the ball to safety from under his own crossbar.

City had a great chance to double their lead on the counter just before half-time but they failed to make the most of it and went in at the break with a one-goal lead.

359 - Manchester City completed 359 more passes than Newcastle United in the first half. Control. pic.twitter.com/FHpRLUf6cy

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) 27 December 2017

Newcastle managed just 17% possession in the first half and City’s dominance continued as the second half got underway.

Sterling almost got his second of the game when he sold two men with en excellent dummy before cutting inside and looking for the far corner but his effort dropped just wide.

Ilkay Gundogan saw a low effort comfortably saved by Elliot after he won the ball back in midfield, whilst De Bruyne should have done better after exchanging passes with Gabriel Jesus.

City had the ball in the net with 66 minutes on the clock, but Aguero had strayed offside when De Bruyne’s effort from range came back off the post.

Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles almost put the ball in his own net shortly afterwards as he looked to clear Aguero’s cross from the left, but his lushes were saved as the ball dropped wide of the near post.

The home side changed their shape as the game drew to a close as they looked to claim an unlikely point.

Substitute Dwight Gayle thought he has won the hosts a penalty with 15 minutes to go as he tumbled under Danilo’s challenge but he was booked for diving.

The former Crystal Palace man almost had the last laugh as he headed inches wide of the far post with a minute to go, but that was a close as Newcastle got to an equalised as City emerged victorious.

The win moves City 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, whilst Newcastle remain just a point above the drop zone.