Features
Away days: Manchester City
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Continuing our series on this season’s Premier League stadia, we take a look at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. When the Magpies head there on Saturday, it is fair to say they will be hoping for a change of fortune…
Club: Manchester City
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Capacity: 55,097
Distance from St. James’ Park: 142 miles
Previous Premier League visits: 12 (No wins, two draws, ten defeats)
United have never won a Premier League game at the Citizens’ Etihad Stadium, with their record in recent years making for particularly grim reading. Though they did record a 2-0 victory in the League Cup in 2014, the Magpies have shipped 19 goals on their last four trips to Eastlands, netting only once.
Even before City’s purchase by the Abu Dhabi United Group, Newcastle found the going tough at the Etihad Stadium. They were beaten 1-0 on their first visit, and a 3-0 defeat in February 2006 signalled the end of Graeme Souness’ time in charge. Not since the 2006/07 campaign have United taken even a point against the Citizens on their own turf.
Originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, City moved into the Etihad Stadium – formerly the City of Manchester Stadium – the following year. The ground’s capacity has since increased, with an additional tier added to the South Stand between 2014 and 2015.