Reigning champions Manchester City were forced to draw for the second time in a row in the Premier League after Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon earned a point for the home side in a tough match on Saturday.

City, who drew against title rivals Arsenal last weekend, remain top for now with 14 points from six games as they wait for Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal to play their matches this weekend. Newcastle are fifth with 11 points.

In a messy affair that saw eight yellow cards handed out, City struggled to maintain the pace, with key midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri injured.

Meanwhile, league top scorer Erling Haaland failed to find the net for the first time this season as Newcastle’s defense limited the striker to just one shot on target.

“That was a good performance, we played our way, bravely. It was two teams going at each other for probably 70 minutes,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told the BBC.

“They were stronger than us in the last 20 minutes and we had to defend very well to keep the point. I was very pleased with how we got off the ball and how we attacked the game.”

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Newcastle, meanwhile, looked set to counter-attack with winger Gordon leading the way in the absence of the injured Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

City took the lead in the 35th minute when winger Jack Grealish spotted Josko Gvardiol running into the penalty area, and after the full-back received the ball he expertly turned defender Dan Burn before finding the bottom corner.

But Newcastle hit back from the spot in the 58th minute when City goalkeeper Ederson tripped Gordon as he reached for the ball as the England striker surrounded him.

Ederson was shown a yellow card and Gordon himself stepped up to send the Brazil international the wrong way to score his second goal of the season and make the match 1-1.

“I said he is capable of playing the role. The highlight for me today was his energy and his running,” Howe said.

“He led the line very well and was very happy to get his goal. Well deserved.”

Newcastle were awarded another penalty when Joelinton found himself in the penalty area under pressure from Kyle Walker, but referee Jarred Gillett waved away the home side’s calls.

Bernardo Silva almost won the match for City in extra time in the second half when he entered the penalty area and fired a volley at goal, but goalkeeper Nick Pope responded well to deny him as both teams shared the win.

“We made bad decisions at the last minute trying to make it 2-0. It’s always so difficult, their physicality, they defend so deep, they defend so well,” said City boss Pep Guardiola.

“That’s what’s been happening lately. We had chances (to win) but Pope was brilliant in two or three saves. But yes, we will get the point.”