If this exhilarating start to a new Premier League season was still missing something, it was a dash of uncertainty over who will ultimately come out on top. While those considered their title rivals have slipped up around them, Manchester City had made a predictably imperious start up until this visit to St James’ Park, perfectly setting themselves up for a second straight title defence. Yet in another remarkable game, one of several we have already witnessed just three weeks into this new campaign, they were held to a 3-3 draw, dropped their first points of the season and, at times, even looked vulnerable.
Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline but when all is said and done in May, this may be looked back upon as a respectable point away from home against a rising force.
