Newcastle United endured a difficult day away at Manchester City on Saturday night.
Eddie Howe’s side, in truth, looked a shadow of the team who thrashed Aston Villa last weekend as their struggles to beat City continued.
Julian Alvarez scored the only goal of the game as Pep Guardiola’s side ran out winners on what was a disappointing day during which Newcastle rarely truly threatened the champions.
Obviously, perspective must be applied. To suggest City are a much better team than Newcastle right now would hardly be controversial, after all.
Still, the manner in which Newcastle – a team full of goals – failed to create much of note was frustrating to watch.
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Miguel Almiron was a star last season but little came off for him at the Etihad Stadium.
Ally McCoist delivers verdict of Miguel Almiron’s performance against Manchester City
Indeed, Ally McCoist was on punditry duty for TNT Sports.
Speaking of the Paraguayan, up against his old rival in Jack Grealish, the former Scotland international said (via the BBC Sport LIVE blog at 21:49) : “Almiron has worked so hard tonight but fatigue was setting in.”
Not the easiest game for Almiron
To blame Newcastle’s failure to beat a team who have won everything there is to win would be too much.
Still, it was a disappointing outing for the winger. Such a difference maker last time out, these are the kind of games Newcastle desperately need him to step up in as they look to mount a serious challenge in the years to come.
The idea of him being fatigued is hardly promising either. While Newcastle did a lot of chasing, we are only two games into the campaign.
Going forward, perhaps Newcastle will look to strengthen their right-wing options.