It didn’t take long for Manchester City to confirm their title contenders’ credentials, with the Sky Blues laying siege to visiting Newcastle from the match’s opening kickoff. Within six minutes, the former champions were on the scoresheet, their first goal en route to a 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
David Silva opened the scoring from seven yards out, heading home a deflected cross from Edin Dzeko. The Bosnia striker also played a key role on City’s second goal, his 22nd minute backheel for Sergio Aguero allowing the Argentine to open his 2013-14 account.
Near halftime, Newcastle were reduced to 10 men, Steven Taylor having been shown a straight red card after his left forearm hit Aguero in the back of the head. By that time, the Magpies were also without Jonas Gutierrez, the Argentine winger leaving injured near the end of the first half.
Early in the second, Yaya Touré's direct kick from 22 yards out put City up 3-0, and with Newcastle playing down a man, the Citizens appeared set to post an embarrassing number. But their next goal didn’t come until the 75th minute, with Samir Nasri finally adding to City’s goal total. Taking advantage of Mathieu Debuchy before finishing inside Krul’s left post, City’s second half substitute made it 4-0.
At full-time, Manchester City had outshot the Magpies 19 to 5, putting 11 shots on goal to Newcastle’s one while holding 62 percent of the game’s possession.
Manchester City’s Yaya Toure (R) celebrates his goal against Newcastle United with Edin Dzeko during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England, August 19, 2013. REUTERS/Darren Staples (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR “LIVE” SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS
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The news wasn’t all good for City, who were forced to remove captain Vincent Kompany after he emerged from a 69th minute challenge grasping his left groin. The Belgian international was immediately replaced by Javi Garcia.
With lopsided result leaves City first after week one, their +4 goal difference besting rival Manchester United for the Premier League’s top spot. The result also leaves Newcastle in 20th place, goal difference leaving them one spot behind Swansea City.
Lineups
Manchester City: Joe Hart; Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany (Javi Garcia 71'), Joleon Lescott, Gael Clichy; Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, David Silva (Alvaro Negredo 80'); Sergio Aguero (Samir Nasri 61'), Edin Dzeko; Unused: Costel Pantilimon; Jack Rodwell; James Milner; Aleksandr Kolarov
Newcastle United: Tim Krul; Mathieu Debuchy, Steven Taylor, Fabriccio Coloccini, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa; Moussa Sissoko, Cheick Tiote; Yoan Gouffran (Paul Dummett (45+4'), Hatem Ben Arfa (Sammy Ameobi 65'), Jonas Gutierrez (Vurnon Anita 43'); Papiss Cisse; Unused: Robert Elliot; Sylvain Marveaux; Gabriel Obertan; Shola Ameobi.