Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park in their first Premier League game since Rodri’s season-ending injury was confirmed.
It was a frustrating result for City, and Mail Sport’s JACK GAUGHAN, who reviewed the players’ performances, said ‘mistakes become a habit’ for a struggling star.
But it was an impressive performance from Newcastle, helped by a ‘mature no-nonsense performance’ from one defender, although they weren’t the only ones to shine for Eddie Howe’s side.
Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring in the first half with a fine individual goal, before Anthony Gordon equalized from the spot in the second half.
Despite the loss of points, City remains at the top of the Premier League, while Newcastle rises to fifth place.
Manchester City and Newcastle shared the win in an entertaining match at St James’ Park
City dropped points in their first game since Rodri was ruled out for the rest of the season
Eddie Howe’s side put in a much improved performance after last week’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham
NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3)
Nick Pope – 7
Brave decision to run out to meet a menacing Erling Haaland and a stunning save from Bernardo Silva’s volley.
Nick Pope made some brilliant saves for Newcastle and was brave in several challenges
Kieran Trippier – 6.5
Blame it on Josko Gvardiol’s opener when he came on for Jack Grealish. However, performed well on both sides of that moment.
Fabian Schar – 7.5
Wings clipped when shown a yellow card in the first half, but still enjoyed the physical battle with Haaland.
Dan Burn – 6.5
Burn was done by Gvardiol for the opener. Good at duels. It could well be the one that punctured Haaland’s socks.
Lewis Hall – 8
I kept it simple at left back. Mature no-nonsense display from someone normally known for his deception.
Lewis Hall showed himself to be mature and no-nonsense and deserved the Player of the Match award
Sandro Tonali – 6.5
Probably guilty of holding onto possession a little too long at times. Took some dangerous positions.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7.5
A defensive pass caused City all kinds of problems in the build-up to Anthony Gordon’s penalty.
Joelinton – 5.5
Energetic performance and tried to find space that would disrupt City’s midfield. Still sloppy at times.
Jacob Murphy-6
Good as he stretched his legs back, but was met with a committed Gvardiol leading the fight.
Anthony Gordon-7
He got deeper and deeper looking to get involved before his running netted the equalizer for Newcastle.
Harvey Barnes-6
Willing runner and probably had more joy when he briefly switched to the right side. Some clever details.
Anthony Gordon’s intervention leveled the score after he dropped deeper to become involved
Bruno Guimaraes was a class act in midfield and helped score the equalizer for Newcastle
Subs
Joe Willock (for Barnes, 77)
Sean Longstaff (for Tonali, 77)
Tino Livramento (for Tripper, 78)
Manager – Eddie Howe – 7
Will be happy with the performance as Newcastle are currently without a fit striker.
Eddie Howe will be happy with the performance as Newcastle are without a fit striker
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – 6.5
The goalkeeper’s usual daring antics, a backheel outside his penalty area, made Pep Guardiola squirm. One top save from Joelinton.
Kyle Walker-6
Defensively, Barnes handled calmly, but played Gordon onside for the penalty. Mistakes become a habit.
Manuel Akanji-7
Very strong in coming out from the back and ensuring the visitors got their first touches in midway.
Ruben Dias – 6.5
Distribution once again left much to be desired. Undone by Walker for the goal after being called offside.
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Super goal, turning Dan Burn inside out and giving City a real outlet. Also very good on the back cover.
Josko Gvardiol scored a brilliant individual goal to give City a real outlet on the left
Ederson was guilty of giving away with the penalty, but made one top save from Joelinton
Rico Lewis – 6.5
Never seems to put a foot wrong. Marking Joelinton on the corners couldn’t have been an easy task either.
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
The natural instinct to drive forward with the ball will be curbed by Rodri’s absence. Indoor area quite good.
Bernardo Silva-6
It took me a long time to get into the game – only four touches in the first twenty minutes – before there was any improvement later on.
Ilkay Gundogan-5
Effective enough in the middle third. Unusually inaccurate around the box and numerous chances wasted.
Jack Grealish-7
Targeted from the left. Retained possession when necessary and increased the pace for the opener. Positive afternoon.
Erling Haaland-6
A mixed bag. Looked dangerous and threatening throughout, while also struggling with City’s link-up play.
For the first time this season, Erling Haaland was kept quiet and failed to score
Ilkay Gundogan, one of Pep Guardiola’s most important lieutenants, missed numerous opportunities
Subs
Phil Foden (for Gundogan, 66) – 6.5
Savinho (for Lewis, 81)
Jeremy Doku (for Grealish, 81)
Manager – Pep Guardiola – 6
Chose a team to control the game, but never really had it his way.
Referee – Jarred Gillett – 6