Nico O’Reilly double seals key 2-1 win for Man City over Newcastle United

Manchester City’s win cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.Published On 21 Feb 2026Nico O’Reilly’s first-half brace inspired Manchester City to a vital 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, which turned up the heat on Premier ⁠League leaders Arsenal.City took the lead on Saturday when O’Reilly slammed in a left-footed shot in the 14th minute before Lewis Hall levelled.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Arsenal look to get faltering title push back on track at struggling Spurslist 2 of 4FIFA and Peace Board pledge to help Gaza reconstruction through footballlist 3 of 4Real Madrid send ‘all available’ Vinicius evidence to UEFA in racism rowlist 4 of 4Allegri and Milan rage at Fabregas as Como boss admits ‘unsporting’ actend of listO’Reilly headed in Erling Haaland’s cross to restore City’s lead ⁠in the 27th minute, and it proved to be the match-winner as Pep Guardiola’s side cut Arsenal’s lead to two points.Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, knowing that City are now breathing down their necks.The stuttering form of Arsenal, who drew with the bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers ‌on Wednesday, opened the door for City, but victory over Newcastle was imperative.It looked like a formality early on as they overran their visitors, but it was a different story after the break as they nervously held on to the victory.Nothing illustrated City’s determination more than the sight of goal-machine Haaland working tirelessly back in his own area, blocking shots and making clearing headers.Newcastle pushed hard for an equaliser, and ⁠when the final whistle blew, there was relief around Etihad ⁠Stadium. They will now be watching Arsenal’s Sunday derby with added interest.City were slick at the start and went ahead when a surging Omar Marmoush played in O’Reilly. He could have touched it on for Haaland ⁠to his left, but the 20-year-old opted to trust his left foot, and his powerful shot beat Nick Pope.Newcastle were level soon afterwards, ⁠though, as a weak clearance fell to Hall, whose ⁠shot took a touch off a City player before beating keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.