Manchester City managed to keep their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign going with their 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
City had their first draw of the season by scoring a late equaliser in last weekend’s 2-2 stalemate with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
This time around, Pep Guardiola’s side got themselves 1-0 up at St. James’ Park through Josko Gvardiol, only for a second-half penalty goal from Anthony Gordon to level the score.
With the points shared on the day, one particular player from City’s starting XI found himself being criticised for the performance he put in for the away side.
Pundit says Ilkay Gundogan looked off against Newcastle
After seeing Guardiola take Ilkay Gundogan off for Phil Foden in the 66th minute against Newcastle, Stewart Downing had this to say about the German on BBC Radio 5 live (via BBC Sport).
He said: “I’m not surprised. Gundogan has looked a little bit off the pace with his final balls not quite being accurate. I’m not surprised Foden has come on.”
How did Gundogan get on against Newcastle?
Starting his second consecutive league game since returning to the club back in August, Gundogan had 40 touches of the ball in total.
With Downing highlighting how some of the midfielder’s passing was a bit off, the 33-year-old ended up giving possession away 10 times throughout his time on the pitch, leaving only Erling Haaland (12) and Gvardiol (14) to have lost the ball on more occasions.
This could have played a part in why Guardiola chose the German as the one who would make way for Foden rather than any other player who started the match against the Toon.
With City having Rodri out injured for the season, this will presumably result in Gundogan having a prominent role in the team.
Therefore, he’ll need to make sure he becomes one of the club’s most consistent performers if he wants to help guide them to more silverware.
