Entering tonight’s match against Newcastle, what was at stake for Manchester City was well-known. Arsenal’s recent stutter had presented City with an opportunity to move within two points of Mikel Arteta’s side at the top of the Premier League at the Etihad. It was an opportunity that was too good for City to squander. Pep Guardiola’s side beat Newcastle United 2-1 in a tight and at times nervy match. City had to fight, scrap, and claw their way to three points tonight. They also needed big performances from players to ensure that they saw off a determined Newcastle side. City got exactly that, and when they needed a player to seize their moment, it was Nico O’Reilly who once again stepped up big for his team.
Nico O’Reilly made the difference for Manchester City against Newcastle.
It was Nico O’Reilly who scored both of Manchester City’s goals tonight to ensure that his team picked up the three points they needed to heap pressure on Arsenal. O’Reilly’s goals both came from clever and quality finishes. His first came after a thumping low strike after the England international was set up by Omar Marmoush. Nick Pope got a hand to O’Reilly’s shot, but he had no chance of keeping the ball out. O’Reilly’s second goal came from a clever header across Nick Pope from the back post after Erling Haaland picked out the young midfielder with an inch-perfect cross.
Nico O’Reilly’s goals showed his quality finishing. He had always had that in his locker as he rose through Manchester City’s academy. O’Reilly’s positioning for both goals was also brilliant. More than that, on a night at the Etihad when you could feel the tension, Nico O’Reilly had ice in his veins to seize two massive moments when his opportunity arose. There is no value that can be placed on that trait. It is immeasurable and it is invaluable to a team chasing another Premier League title.
This season could become the one where Nico O’Reilly arrived as a player.
Pep Guardiola singled out Nico O’Reilly for high praise after Manchester City picked up a massive three points tonight. Guardiola praised O’Reilly’s ability to play in multiple roles and his ability as a player. Guardiola said: “He’s played full back, played holding midfielder when Rodri was not there, now he’s in his position.”
“I know the pace he has. What a player. He has made an incredible step up and he has had a lot of minutes. But he deserves it.”
Nico O’Reilly stepped up tonight when Manchester City needed a player to seize their moment. O’Reilly did so tonight as he has done all season. Nico O’Reilly has played at full-back, as a number six and is now thriving in his preferred role as an attacking midfielder. This season has seen Nico O’Reilly rise to prominence for Manchester City. The potential is now there for the 25/26 season to be the one that Nico O’Reilly announced himself as a serious player based how important his contributions are and have been for Manchester City in their bid to claim silverware this season.