Silva 38', Agüero 90'
(Credit - MCFC Official Facebook)
Déjà vu for the boys in blue as Silva and Sergio sizzle in Premier League opener.
Manchester City issued Newcastle United with yet another painful Premier League induction on Sunday afternoon as David Silva and Sergio Agüero shrugged off the afflictions of World Cup woe to propel the blues to a 2-0 win on Tyneside.
The pair failed to find the back of the net for their respective countries in Brazil this summer, but were on hand to ensure Manchester City's second title defence in three years had the perfect start.
Manuel Pellegrini made four changes to the side that crumbled under the velocity and guile of Arsène Wenger's Arsenal side last weekend. Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis reunited in the centre of defence, whilst David Silva and Joe Hart also returned to the starting eleven. A lack of communication characterised an inexperienced partnership of Dedryck Boyata and Matija Nastasić in Manchester City's Community Shield calamity last Sunday, but an injection of experience provided a vaccination against similar uncertainty in Pellegrini's defence at St.James' Park.
(Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis infused City's defence with confidence and leadership on Sunday)
A combination of muscle and composure allowed the league champions to control the first 45 minutes of the game. Yaya Touré piloted a number of threatening attacks from a deeper role in the midfield, whilst his new partner Fernando patrolled the pitch with exciting energy and determination. The £12m signing from FC Porto showed enthusiasm both protecting the defence and supplementing City's attack, and the Brazilian's tendency to vacillate between defensive and attacking duties makes available a variety of formations to Manuel Pellegrini this season.
But it was a long-standing fan favourite that fired Manchester City into the lead just seven minutes before the half-time whistle blew. Yaya Touré's sublime 30-yard ball was handsomely caressed by Edin Džeko who back-heeled the ball into the path of David Silva who finished past Tim Krul.
(David Silva nets Manchester City's opening goal for the second time in two seasons - credit MCFC Offical Facebook)
The Magpies, reinvigorated by the intriguing additions of Remy Cabella, Emmanuel Rivière and World Cup semi-finalist Daryl Janmaat, responded promisingly and began to peck away at their fatigued guests. Cabella offered trickery and a willingness to penetrate City's defence on the left flank, but Gaël Clichy handled his fellow Frenchman comfortably.
Alan Pardew almost utilised his new-found strength-in-depth to perfection when substitute Ayoze Perez directed a placed effort just millimeters wide of the post. Replays showed that Fernando made a vital block to deny the Spaniard, and the Brazilian's relationship with his new fans began to grow stronger.
With only minutes left to play, Fabricio Coloccini was acquainted with a terrifying view of a fresh Sergio Agüero who came off the bench to out-pace his fellow Argentine and secure City's victory. The 26-year-old's initial effort was parried by Krul, but the striker expertly put away the rebound to end his summer drought.
(Back in business: Sergio Agüero grabs City's second with just minutes left to play - credit MCFC Official Facebook)
Sealed with a Sergio kiss, Manchester City began the defence of their Premier League title with admirable composure and class. Fatigue may have prevented Manuel Pellegrini's side from flaunting the full extent of their attacking prowess, but the talent in the Chilean's ranks means a victory is always achievable.
Match Stats
Possession: Newcastle United 45% - 55% Manchester City
Shots: Newcastle United 12 - 13 Manchester City
Shots on target: Newcastle United 0 - 5 Manchester City
Corners: Newcastle United 3 - 3 Manchester City
Fouls: Newcastle United 8 - 11 Manchester City
