MANCHESTER City were not at their best today but they did enough to beat Newcastle United 2-0 in their Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva scored in either half to take the underwhelming champions to within two points of leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners will restore their five-point gap if they secure victory as expected over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Foden struck after 15 minutes, slicing through the Newcastle defence before his right-footed shot was deflected into the net by Sven Botman.
After going behind, the visiting Magpies were the better team for the majority of the contest, creating several chances as City looked out of sorts.
Callum Wilson and Joelinton missed clearcut opportunities to pull level before the hosts punished them after the break.
Substitute Silva, who replaced the unusually below-par Kevin De Bruyne, struck from close range after a slick team move in the 67th minute to put the game to bed.
Newcastle, who had lost only one of their first 22 Premier League fixtures, have now lost two in a row in the top flight and three in succession in all competitions.
Eddie Howe’s side still have ambitions of finishing in the top four to secure a UEFA Champions League spot, and they are now four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played one game more.
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