On October 3, 2015, Manchester City faced Newcastle United in a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City secured a dominant 6-1 victory, with Sergio Agüero delivering an extraordinary performance by scoring five goals in the span of just 20 minutes.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester City: 6 (Sergio Agüero 42′, 49′, 50′, 60′, 62′; Kevin De Bruyne 53′)
- Newcastle United: 1 (Aleksandar Mitrović 18′)
- Possession:
- Manchester City dominated possession with 67%, while Newcastle United had 33%. City’s control of the ball allowed them to continuously press Newcastle, particularly in the second half where they completely overwhelmed their opponents.
- Shots:
- Manchester City registered 21 shots, with 9 on target, reflecting their relentless attacking approach, especially after equalizing. Newcastle United had 6 shots, with 2 on target, showing their early promise but inability to sustain pressure as City took control.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester City displayed a high passing accuracy of 87%, completing 617 passes out of 705 attempts. Newcastle United had a passing accuracy of 73%, completing 247 passes out of 337 attempts. City’s superior passing game, particularly in the final third, was key to breaking down Newcastle’s defense.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Manchester City made 15 tackles compared to Newcastle’s 17, reflecting Newcastle’s attempts to regain possession and disrupt City’s fluid play. City’s defense, led by Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany, held firm after conceding the early goal.
- Set Pieces:
- None of Manchester City’s goals came from set pieces; all were from open play. Newcastle United’s only goal came from a header by Aleksandar Mitrović following a cross, briefly giving them hope before City’s onslaught.
- Individual Performances:
- Sergio Agüero was the standout player for Manchester City, scoring five goals in a remarkable display of finishing. Kevin De Bruyne also shone, scoring a stunning volley and providing two assists. For Newcastle, Aleksandar Mitrović was the bright spot with his goal, but the team was unable to cope with City’s attacking prowess.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester City employed a 4-2-3-1 formation under Manuel Pellegrini, focusing on quick transitions, wide play, and exploiting the spaces behind Newcastle’s defense. Newcastle United used a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to stay compact defensively and hit City on the break, but they were overwhelmed by City’s superior quality and movement.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, one for Manchester City (Yaya Touré 75′) and two for Newcastle United (Vurnon Anita 40′, Georginio Wijnaldum 78′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at disrupting the opposition’s momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester City won 8 corners compared to Newcastle’s 2, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating City’s aggressive forward play and Newcastle’s attempts to break quickly.
Summary
Manchester City’s 6-1 victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium was a masterclass in attacking football, highlighted by Sergio Agüero’s incredible five-goal performance. After falling behind to an Aleksandar Mitrović header, City responded emphatically, with Agüero equalizing just before halftime and then adding four more goals in a 20-minute blitz early in the second half. Kevin De Bruyne also contributed with a goal and two assists, further showcasing his impact since joining the club.
City’s dominance in possession, sharp passing, and clinical finishing overwhelmed Newcastle, who could not cope with the sustained pressure and incisive play of their opponents. The win solidified City’s position at the top of the Premier League, while Newcastle continued to struggle near the bottom of the table.
The match is remembered for Agüero’s individual brilliance, as his five goals in such a short span marked one of the greatest individual performances in Premier League history. The result also emphasized Manchester City’s title credentials and their formidable attacking options under Manuel Pellegrini.
