What they said: Newcastle v Manchester City

Manchester City got their title defence off to a perfect start with a comfortable victory at Newcastle.

“It was very important for us to start winning this season,” Manuel Pellegrini said on mcfc.com.

"We played with two H's: we were humble and were hungry - we need both if we want to keep winning titles.

“If we want to keep winning titles, if we want to improve on what we did last year; the attitude is so important from the start until the end." added the manager.

Alan Pardew handed 18-year-old Rolando Aarons a debut against the champions.

"It was unbelievable - it's the best thing I've done in my life so far and I hope it's not the last," the winger told nufc.co.uk.

"I'm going to make sure it's not. Ever since I came to this club, that's what I've really wanted to do.

"It's crazy. I came on and I went from being nervous to being confident just because of the fans cheering, so it was great," added the youngster.

"I wasn't really expecting it, it was beautiful, but the fans are always like that - they were top drawer."