Manchester City: Week of 18-25 February 2026 — Citizens Edge Newcastle to Keep Title Chase Alive

O’Reilly’s Double Strike Maintains City’s Impressive Unbeaten Run

The Week in Review

Manchester City secured a vital 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium. Young talent Nico O’Reilly starred with a brace, opening the scoring in the 14th minute with a left-footed finish after being set up by Omar Marmoush on the counter. Though Newcastle’s Lewis Hall equalized in the 22nd minute, O’Reilly restored City’s lead just five minutes later with a header from Erling Haaland’s cross. The win extends City’s unbeaten run to five matches, with four wins and a draw in that span.

Form Watch

Antoine Semenyo continues his remarkable season as City’s breakthrough star. The forward holds the Premier League’s top impact ranking (#1) and second-highest offensive ranking, backed by impressive numbers: 13 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances. His balanced score (rank #2) showcases his all-around contribution, combining attacking threat with defensive work rate.

Phil Foden is enjoying a purple patch, demonstrated by his offensive ranking (#6) and impact ranking (#4). With 7 goals and 3 assists in 24 appearances, Foden has become integral to City’s attacking play, particularly excelling in chance creation and finishing.

Erling Haaland maintains his lethal form with 22 goals and 7 assists in 27 appearances. While his offensive ranking (#13) might seem modest for his standards, his goal contribution remains elite, leading the team’s scoring charts.

Table Position

Manchester City currently sit second in the Premier League with 53 points and 54 goals scored. While complete defensive statistics weren’t available, their position suggests they’re firmly in the title race, maintaining pressure on the league leaders.

The Stat Sheet

City’s defensive unit has been particularly impressive, with Marc Guéhi standing out. His defensive ranking (#3) and balanced ranking (#7) reflect his contribution at both ends, including 2 goals, 2 assists, and 9 clean sheets in 25 appearances. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma has recorded 10 clean sheets and 60 saves in 24 appearances, earning a solid defensive ranking (#9).

The midfield creativity flows through Rayan Cherki, whose offensive ranking (#7) is supported by 3 goals and 7 assists in 22 appearances. Tijjani Reijnders has also impressed with 5 goals and 2 assists, earning an offensive ranking of #14.

Next Fixture

City travel to Leeds United on February 28th. The hosts sit 15th with 30 points, presenting an opportunity for City to extend their winning run. Leeds’ key threats include Dominic Calvert-Lewin (10 goals) and Anton Stach (4 goals, 3 assists, impact rank #3). City will look to Haaland and Semenyo to continue their prolific form against a Leeds defense that has struggled this season.

Performance Breakdown

Grade: A-

The team’s performance this week merits high marks for both result and execution. The victory over Newcastle showcased their attacking prowess through O’Reilly’s brace, while maintaining their impressive unbeaten run. The team’s second place in the table and recent form (W4 D1 L0) demonstrate their title credentials, though there’s still room for defensive improvement to secure a perfect grade.