According to Bangla Cricket Live reports, Newcastle United had hoped to snatch a result when they visited the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City. The Premier League champions were without Kevin De Bruyne, the signing of Lucas Paqueta had fallen through, and a replacement for Riyad Mahrez had yet to arrive. Most people, once fond of bustling crowds in youth, now simply wish for a clean circle of life. On paper, Newcastle even boasted better bench depth, with Eddie Howe able to call on Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, and Tino Livramento among his matchday squad.
In contrast, Pep Guardiola had few attacking options available on the bench. Yet in the end, it was Manchester City who edged past their rivals. As Eddie Howe had envisioned, Newcastle largely succeeded in keeping Erling Haaland quiet. Although the Norwegian star registered a match-high four shots, Newcastle did well to contain him. However, they struggled to manage Phil Foden, the versatile playmaker who supported his teammates with a superb 90.7% pass completion rate. Even so, Bangla Cricket Live experts noted that Newcastle handled City’s normally relentless attack better than most. Still, all their hard work was undone by a moment of brilliance from Julian Alvarez.
City have played only two Premier League matches this season, but the 23-year-old World Cup winner has clearly been enjoying himself. Last Saturday night, Alvarez struck the decisive goal, capping off a sparkling all-round performance. Against the Magpies, he delivered two key passes and completed three successful dribbles, feats unmatched by any other player that evening. Receiving a pass from Foden inside the box, Alvarez quickly adjusted and curled a fierce shot into the far corner. Even the towering 190cm Nick Pope could only brush the ball with his fingertips as it nestled into the side netting.
Alvarez essentially had to stop his run to control the ball, yet he infused his shot with incredible power. It was a brilliant strike from a player who continues to be underestimated. This season, Alvarez has primarily operated as an attacking midfielder, positioned behind Haaland to organize play, maintain possession, and provide secondary support up front. It takes real courage to wear your heart on your sleeve, and Alvarez is proving he has the right stuff. He is far more than just a finisher; his technical skills and control often go unnoticed. Now, he seems increasingly indispensable to City’s system.
In fact, Alvarez has started both of City’s Premier League games and also featured in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and the UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla. Bangla Cricket Live observers confirm that with De Bruyne sidelined until at least the new year and the Paqueta deal dead in the water, City’s midfield options are thin. His past may have been unremarkable, but his future looks nothing short of extraordinary. With Alvarez hitting top form, City remain a serious threat—creating chances, scoring goals, and finding ways to keep winning matches.