A spirited Newcastle performance, spurred on by a particularly suspect decision from the officials to disallow what would have been a wonderful equalising Cheick Tiote goal at 1-0, was ultimately fruitless as Alan Pardew's side succumbed to their fourth defeat in a row. An early Edin Dzeko strike and a late Alvaro Negredo goal was enough for Manchester City to climb back to the top of the Premier League but Newcastle will feel their performance and ill-fortune deserved much, much, more in a game in front of the live SKY TV cameras. Newcastle were probably on top from 20 minutes onwards and the goal from Tiote would have been nothing more than they deserved for their attacking endeavour. Steven Taylor had spurned a half-chance from six yards minutes earlier and Yohan Cabaye forced Joe Hart into a good save to force the corner that led to Tiote's wonder-strike. Further second half efforts from Cabaye and Loic Remy forced Joe Hart into two good saves and as the game wore on Newcastle threw everything to try and crack the City defence. Indeed, throwing everyone forward at the Gallowgate end led to Negredo's counter-attack goal which, left completely free with only the 'keeper to beat, he hit off Krul and onto his chest before rounding it into an empty net. Tiote's strike, in truth probably the first he had connected with sweetly since that famous equalising volley (amazingly, also on his weaker left-foot) in the 4-4 against Arsenal, led to the same frantic celebrations but the history books will say it wasn't a goal and City took all three points. Newcastle played well and there's plenty of contenders for the man of the match. For his attitude and commitment all game and that magnificent goal that should have been, my vote has gone to Cheick Tiote. But who's your man of the match?
Matt Holmes is the co-founder of What Culture, formerly known as Obsessed With Film. He has been blogging about pop culture and entertainment since 2006 and has written over 10,000 articles.
