Newcastle came from behind to beat a lacklustre Manchester City 2-1 at St James' Park and hand Liverpool further initiative in the Premier League title race
City looked on course to close the gap to leaders Liverpool to one point after Sergio Aguero scored just 24 seconds into the match
However, a slack display from the champions was punished as Salomon Rondon equalised in the 66th minute and then Matt Ritchie converted a penalty with 10 minutes remaining
City hardly threatened a response and Liverpool could now move seven points clear if they beat Leicester on Wednesday
Newcastle, meanwhile, are five points clear of the relegation zone and could soon be 
The celebratory atmosphere at the final whistle at St James' Park was in stark contrast to the subdued start after City scored the quickest Premier League goal of the season
Raheem Sterling crossed to the back post and David Silva stooped to head across goal for Aguero, who scored his 15th goal in 13 Premier League appearances against Newcastle
But City did not build on their early advantage and were slack throughout the first half
Ayoze Perez had a chance for Newcastle in the 13th minute when he dragged a shot wide, while City saw a goal ruled out when Kevin De Bruyne was booked for taking a free-kick too quickly that Aguero scored from
As City struggled to find their rhythm, Newcastle threatened on the break and Christian Atsu had a shot that deflected over the bar
City did not create another opening until late in the first half as David Silva's header was blocked in the six-yard box by Florian Lejeune
The visitors looked as though they would raise their level after the break as Sterling almost turned in a cross from Sane and then Martin Dubravka pushed clear a shot from Silva
However, City could not take control of the match and Newcastle took advantage
Rondon volleyed home in the 67th minute after a headed dropped into the box before Newcastle were awarded a penalty when Fernandinho was caught in possession and tripped Sean Longstaff
After a long wait as Ederson received treatment for an injury, Ritchie stepped up and fired the penalty past the goalkeeper
City controlled possession in the final 10 minutes but did not threaten an equaliser as Newcastle held out
He did not have too much service, but Rondon was the perfect outlet for Newcastle
 He was strong when he got the ball, held it up well and brought team-mates into play
 He made more passes than any other Newcastle player, won nine aerial duels - four more than any other player on the pitch - and showed composure to score the equalising goal
Newcastle are live on as they go to Tottenham on Saturday and then Wolves on Monday, February 11
City host Arsenal on Sunday, live on , before a trip to Everton next Wednesday
 They then face Chelsea at the Etihad on Sunday, February 10, live on 
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