Edin Dzeko's early goal has given Manchester City a half-time lead in an eventful encounter at St James' Park overshadowed by a disallowed goal for the hosts.
The Magpies looked to start well, but fell behind to Sky Blues' first chance of the game.
Yoan Gouffran's defensive lapse allowed David Silva to play the ball in behind to Aleksandar Kolarov and the Serbian full-back's first-time pass to the near post reached Edin Dzeko, who slotted home past Tim Krul.
© AFP
The goal helped the visitors to settle into their task and they could have doubled their lead moments later when Kolarov flashed a ball across goal, but beyond the slide of Alvaro Negredo.
Negredo was again in the thick of the action after Samir Nasri's floated ball into the box allowed the Spaniard to lose his marker, only to see his header graze the top of the net as Newcastle appeared shell-shocked and unable to retain possession in the early stages.
Alan Pardew's side tried to find a way back into the contest and almost found it when Steven Taylor managed to get his boot on the end of a corner, but his effort failed to trouble Joe Hart.
However, the England keeper did need to be alert when Yohan Cabaye's shot from a tight angle had to be tipped over the bar.
© Getty Images
It was from the resulting corner on 35 minutes that arguably the most controversial moment of the half took place.
The ball fell the Cheick Tiote at the edge of the area and his rasping drive ended up in the back of Hart's net, but referee Mike Jones chalked the goal off as Gouffran, in an offside position, was deemed to be interfering with play.
City, who have won their last eight meetings with the Magpies, can go top of the Premier League with a win.
Chris O'Keefe
