Before Kick-Off

Although Newcastle United have done well to get the points total secured so far, the performances have been dipping from good to very bad all season. The previous Monday was an example of the latter, as Villa ran Newcastle ragged for 90 minutes. One thing Bruce has managed to do well this season is respond to such performances, and in Manchester City, he faced formidable opposition in trying to repeat the trick.

Man City have dropped their standards this season in the league. Defensive issues have resulted in an unusually large gap between them and league leaders Liverpool, compared to the neck and neck title race of 18/19. It was imperative for them not to drop points here to keep within touching distance.