Man City marching on

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Newcastle United 0-1 Manchester City
Raheem Sterling nets winner (December 27 2017)


Raheem Sterling put Manchester City 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they extended their winning run to 18 games at Newcastle.

Sterling's 31st-minute strike was all the leaders had to show for a dominant display in front of a crowd of 52,311 at St James' Park as the Magpies' ultra-conservative approach frustrated them despite their wealth of possession.

But ultimately it was enough on a night when Rafael Benitez's men slipped to a fifth successive home defeat for the first time since 1953, and it might have been worse had referee Andre Marriner taken a dimmer view of Jacob Murphy's fist-half challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.

Sensing the game was not yet beyond them in the final stages, Newcastle launched a late onslaught and came came close to an equaliser when Dwight Gayle sent a diving header just wide from fellow substitute Christian Atsu's cross.

The Magpies failed to find the back of the net and City made it 18 Premier League victories in a row thanks to the 1-0 win.

Post-match reaction

Match-winner Raheem Sterling hailed an impressive team display after Manchester City strengthened their position at the summit.

Sterling told Sky Sports Main Event: "It was a great team performance today.

"I thought they (Newcastle) soaked up the pressure really well and counter-attacked a few times. We put pressure on ourselves at times and didn't make it easy.

"But we dug in and that shows the team spirit, we stayed together and calm and got the win."

Team-mate Bernardo Silva added: "We knew it would be a tough game.

"I think we played well in the first half. It's not easy to play against 11 players behind the ball. but I think we handled it and could have had many more goals.

"When you win 18 games in a row you have to expect teams to do whatever they can to try and stop you.

"The last 10 minutes were very tough, keeping the advantage for another three points. We're so happy."