City Fall Short at Newcastle After Frantic Second Half

Manchester City slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United, with Pep Guardiola refusing to pin the loss on the officials despite several contentious moments.
City felt they should have had a first-half penalty for a challenge on Phil Foden, while Newcastle’s winner survived a lengthy VAR check, but Guardiola simply said he had “no questions” after speaking to the referee at full-time.
All the drama unfolded in a seven-minute spell after the break. Harvey Barnes struck twice for the hosts, either side of a Ruben Dias equaliser, in a match where both sides created and missed plenty of chances.
Guardiola praised both goalkeepers and admitted his team lacked the cutting edge needed to turn momentum in their favour.
The result prevents City from closing the gap on leaders Arsenal, leaving them third and having played a game more.
For Newcastle, the win offers a timely lift after a sluggish start, with Barnes hopeful it sparks a positive run.