Manchester City's hopes of reeling in Liverpool in the Premier League title race were further damaged after the defending champions twice squandered the lead in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Saturday. It looked like a thunderbolt from Kevin De Bruyne, which flew in off the crossbar in the 82nd minute, was going to earn City victory at St. James' Park. However, from a free kick to the right of the penalty area, the ball was played across to former Liverpool player Jonjo Shelvey, whose first-time shot from outside the box found the bottom corner. Raheem Sterling's 21st-minute goal had earlier been canceled out by Newcastle left back Jetro Willems four minutes later, as City failed to win at St. James' Park for the second straight year. City came into the game nine points behind Liverpool after 13 rounds of its wobbling title defense. Liverpool hosts Brighton later Saturday. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)