Manchester City returned to winning ways in the late game on Saturday, although Newcastle made it tough for the Blues. Initially, after a bright start and a Raheem strike, it looked as if it would be an easy day for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Just before half time though, Newcastle pulled level with what was their only shot of the whole first 45. Manchester City came out in the second half determined to get the three points, which they eventually did. Now they can go into the International break in the top four. But how did the players do?
Ederson - 7.
Didn’t really have too much to do and was left exposed for the Newcastle goal. His distribution was up to the standard we’ve become used to seeing. A throw down the middle of the park in the second half one of the best examples, and almost led to a goal.
Walker - 9.
Got his name on the score-sheet for the first time in the Premier League since November 22nd 2015. The strike was fantastic, form beautiful as his first touch put it out from his feet. That allowed him to arrow the shot through bodies and past the full stretch of the Newcastle keeper.
Stones -7.
Quieter game for the Englishman, who found himself moved up into midfield for the final few minutes.
Laporte - 7.
Steady at the back alongside Stones. Like Stones he got forward a few times, going close on one occasion.
Mendy - 6.
If you were to be critical of the Frenchman it would be that he allowed Yedlin a step on him. Chasing back the advantage was always with the Newcastle man. At the other end he was lively, although not to the early standard he had set.
Fernandinho - 8.
Once again the Brazilian did well in his role. Like Laporte he almost got his name on the score sheet with the ball being knocked away before reaching his head.
Mahrez - 5.
Like in other games the new signing was guilty of wasting a couple of chances. As I have said before, I think he is just trying too hard to get that first goal for his new side. I think the International break will do him well and maybe, as when Sergio was trying to find his record setting goal, a rest is in order
Silva - 7.
Captain for the day with Vinnie on the bench David put in a fantastic performance. There was no doubt he ran the show for Manchester City, and drew a number of fouls around the Newcastle area.
Sterling - 8.
Opened the scoring early on with a very confident strike. Had the chance to double that with a similar run moments later but this time the door was slammed shut.
Aguero - 6.
The Argentinian usually has no trouble scoring against Newcastle and, following his hat trick two weeks ago, you might have thought another one could be on the cards in this game. Aguero’s performance could be summed up with one play. With City on the break, overloaded on the right hand side, Sergio was caught in two minds as to whether to shoot or square the ball. In the end he did neither.
Jesus - 5.
Sluggish for the second game in a row now. Pulled for Bernardo Silva with less than an hour gone he too may benefit from the upcoming International break.
Subs
Bernardo (sub 57) - 7.
Came on and instantly gave David Silva someone to play those quick balls with in tight spaces. I thought he should have started but you cannot argue against Raheem in there instead.
Gundogan (sub 76) - 6.
Coming on for Gabriel Jesus with a little over fifteen minutes left was a move to secure the midfield.
Kompany (sub 89) - 5.
Came on for the final minutes as John Stones moved into midfield. Kompany was honored for his decade of service in the pre-match entertainment so it would have been weird to have not seen him at all.
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