“I’m not surprised” - Stewart Downing says Manchester City superstar looked ‘off the pace’ in draw with Newcastle

Former Premier League midfielder Stewart Downing has spoken about Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who struggled to impress against Newcastle United. Both clubs faced off at St. James Park in the Premier League on Saturday (September 28), eventually sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Gundogan tried to make a strong impact on the game, but over and again, he struggled to do so. Stewart Downing took notice of this during the match, telling BBC Sport (via TBR Football):

“I’m not surprised. Gundogan has looked a little bit off the pace with his final balls not quite being accurate. I’m not surprised Foden has come on.”

Indeed, the former Barcelona midfielder was substituted off for Phil Foden with 66 minutes on the clock, as manager Pep Guardiola made changes. Gundogan notably created two chances, but there were other notable moments where he failed to find Erling Haaland with a pass in a 2v1 situation.

He also had a big chance to score in the box but managed to hit his effort well wide. The midfielder will hope to improve for their next game against Slovan Bratislava away in the UEFA Champions League on October 1.

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Pep Guardiola slams Manchester City squad after draw to Newcastle

Pep Guardiola wasn't a happy manager as he watched Manchester City throw their lead away and struggle to score another goal against Newcastle United. He made it clear that they made "bad decisions" and failed to put the sword to the Magpies.

In an interview with TNT Sports after the game, the Manchester City manager said (via MSN):

“They had moments in first ten minutes and after their goal, but in general we played really good. We made bad decisions at the last minute to make it 2-0... When we scored we played better. We make a mistake and after they play better. But then we take the game again and had chances to win it.”

City seemed to stand out as the better side, as they regularly chased after an opening goal, which eventually came in the 35th minute. A fast break down the flank saw Jack Grealish free himself from his marker, before laying a pass into defender Josko Gvardiol. The full-back cut back onto his right foot, before placing a deflected ball into the right bottom corner.

In the second half, Newcastle equalized through Anthony Gordon, as they took advantage of Manchester City's high line to break through. The winger beat the offside trap to get on a perfect pass and face goalkeeper Ederson, who cut him down in the box. He scored the resulting penalty in the 35th minute, and both sides were unable to find the net again.