Raheem Sterling provided a sense of relief to all at Manchester City as he opened the scoring against Newcastle United before Aymeric Laporte added a second.
The England international became the highest goalscorer under master tactician Pep Guardiola as he nodded City in front. A three-pass sequence saw Ilkay Gundogan expertly pick out the run of Joao Cancelo whose header found Sterling.
His opener continued his sparkling form against the Magpies and teams managed by Eddie Howe. But more importantly from a Blues perspective, he got their noses in front.
READ MORE: Man City vs Newcastle - LIVE
It was an even start from both sides with Chris Wood missing a golden opportunity after a lapse in the City defence. Fortunately for the hosts, his header was tame and straight at Ederson.
City fans were relieved to take the lead after Liverpool dropped points against Tottenham and shortly before the break Laporte added a second. Here's how they reacted on Twitter.
Jurgen Klopp's side failed to break down a resolute Spurs side on Saturday evening. Luis Diaz's deflected effort was enough to cancel out Heung-min Son's opener.
For City, that saw them relinquish top spot on goal difference. And on Sunday, a win will see them move three points clear with just three games left.
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