Nico O’Reilly’s brace helped Manchester City beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Etihad Stadium and took the Citizens within two points of Arsenal after 27 matches.
O’Reilly has cemented his position in the City’s starting XI for the last year, and he has shown massive signs of progression as he is now thriving in a new and more advanced position that must make manager Pep Guardiola very satisfied.
Nico O’Reilly’s Brace: From Full-Back To Came Left-Winger
Nico O’Reilly’s brace really came from where the young Englishman started against the Geordies as he lined up on the left wing.
A midfielder by trade, O’Reilly has primarily been playing as the left-back for Guardiola’s team since he broke into the starting XI.
However, O’Reilly played as a left-winger on Saturday, with Rayan Ait-Nouri playing as the left-back.
That highlighted that their roles were reversed from the match against Liverpool, in which Ait-Nouri played as the left-winger and O’Reilly as the left-back.
The 20-year-old Englishman has repeatedly shown the urge to break into marauding runs into the opposition half in the past games as a left-back, which goes on to show his attacking instincts.
His solid presence at the top end of the pitch allows Manchester City better ball retention and another great attacking option.
O’Reilly has already played 60 matches for Manchester City, scoring 11 goals. That is a good goal-scoring ratio to have, especially for a defender/midfielder at the start of a career.
In addition to his unquestionable ball skills, what stands out for O’Reilly is his physicality, which adds another dimension to his game. One of the goals in Nico O’Reilly’s brace was scored with a header, as he used his height to put his team ahead.
Nico O’Reilly’s brace has made the title race even more exciting, with Manchester City and Arsenal going neck-and-neck and only being split by two points.
The Englishman has played his part duly to keep his side in contention for their seventh Premier League title in nine seasons.
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Nico O’Reilly’s Brace: Versatility That Will Be Useful For England
With the World Cup taking place this summer, Nico O’Reilly’s brace has the 20-year-old doing his bit to stake a claim for a place in the England squad scheduled to depart for North America.
England should have Luke Shaw, who has been good for Manchester United this season, as their first-choice left-back, but O’Reilly should not be far behind.
His versatility and ability to play in an attacking position should also increase his utility for the Three Lions.
He earned his first two caps for the national team in 2025, which should be the beginning of a long and successful international career.
However, the primary challenge for the Englishman at the moment is to help his club win multiple titles this season.
The Cityzens will take on the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final next month, which should present them with another chance to add to their trophy cabinet and steal a title from their Premier League title rivals.
O’Reilly has played in 39 matches this season, which makes him one of Manchester City’s most frequently used players.
At this stage of his career, he should be playing as much as he possibly can, but Guardiola could think of resting him occasionally just to avoid any injuries or fatigue to a new important cog in his City side.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO/Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 22.02.2026
