Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night to mount pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

A brace from Nico O’Riley secured maximum points for City, moving them to within two points of league leaders Arsenal.

O’Riley gave City the lead in the 14th minute, firing a fierce shot into the far corner from Omar Marmoush’s pass. Goalkeeper Nick Pope got a touch on the ball but could only help it into the net as the hosts went 1-0 up.

Newcastle responded in the 22nd minute when Hall capitalised on a poorly cleared corner. The ball fell kindly to him at the edge of the area, and his deflected strike flew into the net to level the score at 1-1.

However, the parity lasted just five minutes. O’Riley restored City’s advantage by nodding home a cross from Erling Haaland, sending the ball beyond Pope to make it 2-1 before halftime.

The second half produced several chances for both sides but no further goals, as City held on to claim a crucial victory.

Attention now turns to Arsenal, who face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur later today. The Gunners cannot afford to drop points if they are to maintain their title hopes.

Tottenham, under new manager Igor Tudor, will be aiming to begin a new era with a victory an outcome that could significantly influence the title race, especially with a decisive meeting between Arsenal and Manchester City still to come.