This result not only boosted City’s home record against Newcastle to 17 straight wins but also celebrated a historic milestone: O’Reilly’s first goal was the club’s 500th home league goal since 2016-17. The performance highlighted City’s depth and resilience amid a grueling schedule.

Aston Villa’s title dreams took a hit in a 1-1 stalemate with Leeds United at Villa Park. Stach’s exquisite free-kick had the visitors dreaming of an upset, only for January signing Tammy Abraham to level in the dying moments, keeping Villa in contention but denting their momentum.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea dropped points in a dramatic 1-1 draw versus Burnley. Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro combined for an early opener, but Fofana’s sending off paved the way for Fleming’s stoppage-time header off a Ward-Prowse set-piece, exposing Chelsea’s top-four vulnerabilities.

Brighton boosted their survival bid with a 2-0 rout of Brentford, where veteran James Milner etched his name in history with appearance number 654. Gomez and Welbeck struck early to secure the win. West Ham’s 0-0 bore with Bournemouth offered little relief, as they remain in the bottom three.