Man City cut Arsenal’s Premier League lead to two points after Newcastle victory

By Andy Hampson, Press Association

Nico O’Reilly scored twice in the first half as Manchester City cut Arsenal’s Premier League lead to two points with a nervy 2-1 win over Newcastle.

The 20-year-old rewarded City for a dominant start at the Etihad Stadium with a superb long-range strike and headed them back in front after Lewis Hall hit a deflected equaliser.

Pep Guardiola’s side failed to build on that advantage in a rain-soaked second period but, despite seeing more of the ball, Newcastle failed to get back into the game.

Harvey Barnes went close in stoppage time, but Gianluigi Donnarumma responded with a fine fingertip save.

Buoyed by Arsenal’s unexpected draw against Wolves in midweek, the game had started amid a raucous atmosphere and City were clearly up for the challenge.

Yet the final whistle was greeted as much with relief as celebration as the nerves of the title race became evident.