Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita celebrates his equalising 1-1 goal against Manchester City during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at Saint James’ Park stadium in Newcastle, Britain, 19 April 2016.
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The 27-year-old Argentina global reached three figures in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle, his 147th league appearance, a feat bettered only by Alan Shearer.
Aguero was offside when the cross was supplied and assistant referee Dave Bryan drew the ire on social media for his failure to spot the infringement.
“I have to be pleased because against a team like Man City, to do what we have done from 1-0 down, the reaction of the team, you have to be pleased”, said the Spaniard.
The Magpies recovered their poise following a contentious opener from City’s prolific marksman Sergio Aguero – his 100th Premier League goal – to earn a hard-fought point courtesy of Vurnon Anita’s leveller.
Pellegrini hinted that he may make changes in Saturday’s game against Stoke City, which comes four days before the Champions League semifinal first leg with Real Madrid.
“They should have got Rafa in a bit earlier and I don’t think we would be in the position we are now”, Shearer told Radio Five Live after the match.
“He’s definitely up there with the world’s best strikers, and he’s a player that scores decisive goals in big games”.
He said: “Both teams had chances, both teams have come off the pitch saying they should have had the three points, but it’s a point, we’re still alive, we’re still kicking and we’re still in there with a chance”.
Benitez was determined not to turn an encouraging performance into a controversy – stating that “hopefully we will not have bad decisions in the rest of the games”.
“The most important thing is to really see how my injury felt out on the field and it felt all right”.
However, former Arsenal playmaker Merson is tipping the Citizens to deal Newcastle a hammer blow in the ongoing relegation battle and seal three points at St James’.
“That incident could have got us fighting”.
Substitute Georginio Wijnaldum was robbed by Joe Hart in the 88th minute as Newcastle and City continued to search for the win.
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City never managed to get on top of their opponents, who seemed rejuvenated after their weekend victory and were fuelled by a raucous home crowd that spent much of the second half chanting the name of manager Benitez.
