- Aguero gets 100 PL goal
- Anita ties it with rare goal
- 3rd string GK Darlow with key saves
Vurnon Anita’s first goal in two years pulled Newcastle United back from an early deficit and into a 1-1 draw, as the Magpies earned what could be a big point in its relegation battle on Tuesday.
Sergio Aguero scored a controversial offside goal early, becoming the first South American to score 100 in the Premier League.
The draw moves 19th place Newcastle a point behind Sunderland and two behind Norwich City in the battle for PL safety. Man City moves ahead of Arsenal and into third place.
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Chances were traded early, and Newcastle won a series of corners in the first 10 minutes that all came to nothing.
Aleksandar Kolarov hit the deck to give City a very promising 14th minute free kick from the left of the 18. That fall paid off, and Aguero was offside when he headed in Kolarov’s ensuing kick.
A poor Jamaal Lascelles giveaway almost led to 2-0, but Kevin De Bruyne sliced his 20-yard shot wide of the goal.
Moussa Sissoko carried the ball 50-plus yards on a counter attack, but hit a low shot right at Joe Hart in a terrible waste of an opportunity.
It was a bit of foreshadowing, though, as City let Sissoko scamper down the left side to send a long cross to Anita. The Dutchman worked Kolarov and hit a left-footed shot off the far post and in to make it 1-1.
[ MORE: Latest Premier League standings ]1 - Vurnon Anita has scored his first Premier League goal since March 2014, ending a run of 53 games without one. Rarity.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 19, 2016
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Kolarov gave a free kick to Andros Townsend on the right wing just two minutes into the second half. Ayoze Perez couldn’t track it onto his head, and it floated to Hart.
Jesus Navas came within a hair of scoring when Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow slapped the City man’s shot just wide of the far post.
Navas found Aguero in the 63rd minute, but Darlow bobbled and then recovered the shot to keep it 1-1.
Sissoko won a free kick when Vincent Kompany, who was rusty, blocked the Frenchman on the wing. Perez ballooned the free kick to Hart.
Man City had a rare chance with 16 minutes to play, and Darlow parried a long-range bullet from De Bruyne. The Newcastle keeper again had to dive to save a goal in the 87th minute.
Substitute Georginio Wijnaldum was robbed by Joe Hart in the 88th minute as Newcastle and City continued to search for the win.
Wijnaldum then won a free kick 30 yards from goal. Could Newcastle grab a huge winner? Not on that play, but the Magpies kept possession into five minutes of stoppage time.