Phil Foden’s dazzling run sets up Manchester City’s win over Newcastle

After a bursting run, Phil Foden’s shot deflects off Sven Botman and into the Newcastle net. Photograph: David Blunsden/Action Plus/Shutterstock

This was another of those Manchester City displays that are becoming less of a curio: flat, discordant and ending in a scrappy win that would have been a blazing, rampant victory in previous seasons.

Newcastle’s visit meant a return for City to the Etihad Stadium after five away trips and the champions did what was required by taking three points as the title race enters its defining phase.