Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City scraped to 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday evening.

Goals in each half by David Silva and Sergio Aguero were enough to see off a competitive Newcastle side.

The first chance of the game fell to Manchester City in the 3rd minute as David Silva’s chip pass over Newcastle’s defence found Edin Dzeko who couldn’t get enough contact on the ball to trouble Tim Krul.

The first moments of the game were played at a high tempo, with Manchester City monopolising possession and looking dangerous on the attack.

In the 11th minute Samir Nasri’s long range drive produced a fine save from Krul.

New acquisition Remy Cabella got Newcastle’s first sniff at goal in the 15th minute, but his attempted chip shot sailed over the crossbar.

Just as the game had turned quiet, City opened the scoring in the 38th minute, after a clever Dzeko back-heel put Silva through on goal, who calmly fired home from close range, 1-0.

City went into the interval with the slender lead.

Newcastle looked to grab an equaliser early in the 48th minute as Yoan Gouffran received a corner-kick at the far post, and unleashed a half volley from an acute angle, but Joe Hart saved from point blank. 

Newcastle continued to apply pressure on City’s goal in the opening second half period, but City stood firm.

In the 65th minute Dzeko saw his header, which almost dipped under Krul, sail just over the crossbar.

Seven minutes from regulation time Ayoze Perez, who had just been substituted into the game, came close from inside the box, only for his shot to be deflected away from goal by last a ditch Fernando sliding effort. 

City took the game away from Newcastle in injury time, as substitute Sergio Aguero had his first his attempt saved by Krul, but finished off the rebound.