Raheem Sterling struck the only goal as Manchester City stretched their Premier League lead to 15 points at Newcastle United.
Sergio Aguero hit an upright early on and had a goalbound header tipped over by the excellent Rob Elliot on 17 minutes.
Elliot also denied substitute Gabriel Jesus before being beaten by Sterling, who adjusted his feet cleverly to slip Kevin De Bruyne’s lofted pass under him and in off the post on 31 minutes.
Moments later Rolando Aarons’s sublime chip was cleared off the line by Nicolas Otamendi.
City dominated, De Bruyne missing with three attempts, Aguero and Sterling shooting wide and Ikay Gundogan thwarted by Elliot, although Newcastle almost stole a late equaliser when Dwight Gayle headed wide.
City’s record 18th consecutive PL win extends their advantage over Manchester United. Newcastle lie 15th.
See: Newcastle report | Man City report
Next fixtures
Newcastle: 30 Dec v Brighton (H)
Man City: 31 Dec v Crystal Palace (A)
